By Kristen Pearson
Contributor, Career Services
As I watched the 2013 NFL Draft this year, I was flabbergasted at the countless linemen that got drafted within the first 32 picks; and the number one ranked quarterback, Geno Smith, couldn’t believe it either. He sat there and watched numerous draftees be selected before him, when he was predicted to go as one of the first picks. While I sat there mouth agape, watching as a continuous stream of unexpected selections came through, I realized that this situation, faced by hopeful pro-athletes, is no different than what the vast majority of the nation is going through right now.
All of us have been there, and some of us may be there right now. Waiting to get that promotion; trying to get your first real job out of college; in the middle of a career transition; interviewing with fortune 500 companies; or waiting to hear your name on draft day. Whatever it may be we can all relate-we all have waited at one point or another. Waited for our chance to just get noticed; to pray that this is the company that sees our potential and acts upon it.
Geno Smith watched as another quarterback who was predicted to go rounds after him get called first. I can only imagine what was going through his mind. He did all the work, he put in countless hours, fixing the way his foot points before the ball is released, shaving seconds off his sprint time and now he was sitting in the green room, unwanted. Then a glimmer of hope: after 38 other draftees had already been selected, he was up. Yes, the experience may have humbled him, but he didn’t care, it was finally his time.
You may be in the same position. You didn’t get that job you knew you were perfect for, your colleague got the promotion over you, or no one seems to be giving you a chance because you are fresh out of school. In today’s economy it can be disheartening and feel like you are being rejected, but I would encourage you to keep your head up. In the article, How to Respond to Job Rejection-And Even Make it Work For You, U.S. News and World Report contributor Alison Green gives four great tips in helping with rejection and waiting.
This may sound cliché, but your time will come. You did all the work, you bought the well-tailored suit, your resume is free of errors, your interview voice is on point and next it will be your turn and your name that will be called on draft day.
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