Rejecting Rejection
Mirriam-Webster defines the word “reject” (verb) as “to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use.”
Mirriam-Webster defines the word “reject” (verb) as “to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use.”
The noun is even tougher: “One rejected as not wanted, unsatisfactory, or not fulfilling requirements.”
Sounds like high school!
To me this doesn’t sound like a word that’s appropriate in a business context. But it is used all the time, to describe the decision not to move forward in considering a candidate in the recruiting process.
We don’t “reject” a meeting invitation, an unsuccessful proposal, or even an unwanted or sales pitch! We use more thoughtful language, to show that we intend kindness, courtesy, and respect.
It’s a small thing, but I don’t think it’s necessary to use this word when a more thoughtful one will do. We “decline” or “pass” in the situations I listed, and I think we can do that in recruiting, as well.
As a transitive verb Mirriam-Webster defines “decline” as “to refuse especially courteously.” And isn’t that exactly how we want to be?
I think if I try not to use the word “reject”, even internally, I’ll be making my own environment a little bit more like how I want the world to be.
And I encourage everyone not use it to describe your own experience, even when it feels like it fits.
It’s ok to be disappointed when you’re “not a match” or “not moving forward” for a job.
But too much “rejection” can lead to a broken heart. And you need to keep your heart safe and strong to see you through.