You may not have heard about Whatsapp until recently.
But now you can’t escape hearing about it.
Brian Acton
Certainly, to be wanted by Facebook is a pretty glowing endorsement.
So what if I was to tell you that the creator was, in fact, previously rejected by Facebook.
(And Twitter for that matter!)
That’s right, Brian Acton is essentially having the last laugh after he went for a job at both of the social media giants back in 2009, only to be turned down!
On 23 May 2009 he tweeted, “Got denied by Twitter HQ. That’s ok. Would have been a long commute” and that August he wrote, “Facebook turned me down. It was a great opportunity to connect with some fantastic people. Looking forward to life’s next adventure.”
And what an adventure it’s been, having just leaped onto this year’s Forbes rich list.
It’s a good life lesson for anyone rejected from their dream role.
When you are turned down it can take a toll on your self-esteem and mean you lose focus on your job search.
But, the best thing is not to take rejection personally.
It cannot hurt to ask for feedback (not all employers will, however) and consider the points they have raised. Where did you go right? And where did you wrong?
Perhaps you also need to narrow your job search- are you applying for the right positions based on your experience, qualifications and skills?
Consider your interview style. Do I come across as nervous? Cocky? Weak?
And finally, remain positive. Just because you were rejected from this job, doesn’t mean you won’t secure another in time.
And perhaps even the employers will come back knocking on your door a few years later and offer you $19 billion?
Well, we can all dream.
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