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Strategies for Coping When You're Overlooked for an Internal Job Promotion

Struggling with internal job promotions or lateral shifts can be immensely challenging, especially when you've eagerly anticipated a new role. The sting of rejection is even sharper when you've been asked to apply and were expecting a fresh start. The frustration intensifies when unable to...

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Struggling with internal promotions or lateral shifts can be intensely challenging, particularly...
Struggling with internal promotions or lateral shifts can be intensely challenging, particularly when you anticipate a new role with anticipation, only to be rejected. The added sting comes when you're expected to apply for the same opportunity, making the rejection even harder to swallow. The frustration grows even further when you're denied the chance to showcase your abilities.

Strategies for Coping When You're Overlooked for an Internal Job Promotion

Never Let a Setback Define Your Career: How to Overcome Internal Promotion Disappointment

Getting passed over for an internal promotion or even a lateral shift in job responsibilities can leave you feeling disappointed, frustrated, and inadequate. But don't let this temporary setback derail your career. Here are practical steps to help you overcome the disappointment and learn from the experience:

Don't Take it Personally

A denied promotion doesn't necessarily mean that your skills or personality are lacking. The decision could be influenced by many factors, such as company priorities, qualifications, or even an external candidate being brought in to bring fresh perspectives.

When negative thoughts about your abilities creep in, take a moment to breathe and remember that this situation is temporary. Even the most successful individuals face rejection and disappointments, but they use these experiences as opportunities to learn and grow.

Maintain Your Integrity

It's easy to become disengaged or disheartened after a setback, but that will only hurt you in the long run. Instead, channel your effort into doing your best work, dedicated to proving your worth and earning the trust of your colleagues.

You can seek feedback from your HR manager to understand where you went wrong and what improvements you need to make for future opportunities. Remember, it's essential to present the immense value you bring to the table, without questioning the decision.

Learn and Adapt

Rejection can be a brutal teacher, but it can also provide valuable insights into how others perceive you and your potential. Take this opportunity to learn from your experience and identify areas for growth.

You may also get to understand the decision-makers within the organization and their expectations. This is an opportunity to assess your work style, refine it, and make sure it aligns with the company's goals.

Regain Your Confidence

The disappointment may have shaken your self-confidence, but don't let it define you. Look for ways to acquire new skills or improve old ones, either within or outside your current role. Gaining mastery in a high-demand skill set will help you regain your confidence and make you a more valuable employee.

Remember, your worth as an individual isn't diminished because someone didn't see your value in a specific instance. Rather, view rejection as a redirection, focusing on the time when you will be selected instead of the times when you were overlooked.

By: Melody Wilding HBR 2023/04

Also check out:

  • Cybersecurity Risks in International Trade
  • 3 Strategies to Become the Resilient Leader You Were Meant to Be
  • How to Become More Adaptable in Challenging Situations

[1] Melody Wilding, "5 Ways to Recover Professional Pride After a Setback," Harvard Business Review, June 8, 2021, https://hbr.org/2021/06/5-ways-to-recover-professional-pride-after-a-setback

[2] Harvard Business Review, "Ask the Expert: What Do I Do If I Don't Get the Internal Job I Applied For?," Harvard Business Review, July 29, 2021, https://hbr.org/ask-the-expert/2021/07/what-should-i-do-if-i-dont-get-the-internal-job-i-applied-for

[3] Melody Wilding, "How to Get Past a Job Rejection and Reach Your Career Goals," Forbes, October 7, 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/melodywilding/2021/10/07/how-to-get-past-a-job-rejection-and-reach-your-career-goals/?sh=350a99c21e35

[4] Harvard Business Review, "Why You Need to Talk to Your Manager After a Job Rejection," Harvard Business Review, November 15, 2021, https://hbr.org/2021/11/why-you-need-to-talk-to-your-manager-after-a-job-rejection

[5] Harvard Business Review, "10 Ways Leaders Stay Motivated and Resilient," Harvard Business Review, January 21, 2022, https://hbr.org/2022/01/10-ways-leaders-stay-motivated-and-resilient

  1. To maintain a successful career trajectory, you may consider diversifying your skillset with education and self-development in cybersecurity, which can enhance your personal growth and make you a more valuable candidate for future positions and opportunities.
  2. Career development often requires resilience in the face of setbacks and disappointments, so one could focus on becoming a more adaptable and resilient leader by studying strategies and resources such as "3 Strategies to Become the Resilient Leader You Were Meant to Be" and "How to Become More Adaptable in Challenging Situations."

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