Pick up the pieces

One part of my job that I don't enjoy is facing students who have had their placement dream ended, usually by a short automated email thanking them for their interest in the role but on this occasion their application has been unsuccessful. I fully understand why employers who receive thousands of applications are unable to provide more detailed feedback at the early stages of the recruitment process, but for the student who has probably spent a number of hours drafting their application, it is a horribly impersonal way to be let down.

How students react to these setbacks is very important. For some, this initial rejection is enough to put them off looking for work experience. After getting a first taste of failure, the desire to 'focus on my studies' and protect themselves from further disappointment can provide short term comfort. They will of course only be delaying the process as graduate recruitment follows similar lines, only with greater competition for places for students without relevant work experience.

Thankfully, many of the students I work with are able to pick themselves up, dust themselves down and move onto the next application. It is part of the job of a Placement Officer to motivate students to keep going with their applications and not to give up at the first hurdle. Finding a job is not an easy business, and students need to be aware that their search for a placement will be no different.

When helping students to pick up the pieces, I like to recall those students who I've encountered whose determination to succeed was so strong, that they simply would not give up, despite numerous rejection emails. I take far greater satisfaction from seeing these students who have taken knocks along the way being rewarded for their efforts. It is an old saying, but if at first you don't succeed, try try again.