You’ve been applying for jobs for months, but with no luck.

You’ve been doing all the right things - networking, stepping out of your comfort zone, and really trying to learn more about America.

For some reason, you’re coming up short - no job offers - just rejection email after rejection email.

What makes it worse is that all your friends around you are getting jobs and they aren’t working as half as hard as you.

What in the world is going on?

I know. We are in a tough economy right now and with each passing day, things don’t seem to be getting any better.

If you are in this position, I want to say, “I’m sorry.” I know what it’s like to work so hard for something and for it to not go the way you expected it.

What’s also tough about being in a situation like this is that your mind begins to play tricks on you.

• You begin to doubt yourself.
• You wonder if this was even worth it.
• You consider giving up on your dream.

Things may be really discouraging right now, but don’t give up. It’s during this time of discouragement, uncertainty, and frustration when most people walk away from their dream.

BUT you are so close! This graphic illustrates my point so well.

If you are in a season where you are facing rejection after rejection in your job search, if layoffs have you worried, and the state of the tech industry has you on edge of your seat, can I offer some advice?

Rejection is something that we all face and overcoming it can’t be done alone. It’s so easy to attach our value, worth, and identity to a job, position, and salary. If we do that, we will live in constant disappointment because these things come and go. Our honor and worth is not contingent upon on our job status.

​This Forbes article outlines a handful of ways that you can bounce back and stay strong in the midst of constant rejection. While rejection is something that everyone faces in their career, I think you as an international professional working in America, face some unique challenges.

So, here 5 things that you can do that will help you stay strong and keep you on the path of pursuing your dream of working in America.

1. BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM

You are far away from home, your family, and close friends. This is why having a group of people who can encourage you here in America is so important when facing rejection. They should be people who can empathize with you, but also support you, fight for you, and keep you encouraged.

When you surround yourself with positive people, you stop feeling sorry for yourself and can take tangible steps to a better towards your job search strategy. Don’t be afraid to speak with a few people that you know care about you and who you can invite to your process. This could also lead to introductions, referrals, and employers that weren’t on your radar.

2. ASK FOR CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK

Asking for constructive feedback can be a powerful tool during this uncertain time. I know that it can be uncomfortable to be vulnerable and open up to a group or wide network like LinkedIn, but asking for feedback from your trusted group friends or family, people who know you well can provide valuable insights into job search strategy that you may not see yourself

This can shed light on areas where you need to improve, gain a different perspective, and lead to a deeper understanding of yourself. Everyone doesn’t need to know everything about your life. That’s why it’s important to choose people who have your best interests at heart. Being open to feedback can propel you into a new journey in your job search.

3. PRIORITIZE BREAKS

Resting from the hard work is essential. Stress and overwhelm are constantly at your back - constant searching, applying, and interviewing. If you’re not mindful of this, you can really burn yourself out. Regular breaks is an effective way to avoid burnout and maintain mental and physical health. Establishing rhythms that will recharge you can also be incredibly beneficial, such as setting aside time for exercise, meditation, or simply spending time outdoors. By prioritizing rest and taking breaks, you can increase productivity and focus when you return to the job search process.

4. IDENTIFY THE NEGATIVITY

Continue to cultivate a positive mindset no matter what’s happening. Negative thoughts and beliefs can hold you back, leading to self-doubt and a lack of confidence. Take a step back and identify any negative self-talk that may be impacting your search, such as:

• "I'm not good enough"
• "I don't have enough experience."
• “If only I studied at a different school things would be better.”

Try to reframe these in a positive light.

• "I have a unique skill set that is highly valuable to employers."
• “I’ve had incredible internship and job experiences that qualify me for the position I want.
• “My school gave me everything I needed to succeed.”

Make a shift. Identify it and replace it with positivity to set yourself up for success.

5. TRY SOMETHING NEW

Even if you feel like you’re doing everything right, explore different options and angles to your approach. Perhaps you've been primarily applying to job postings online but haven't had much success. Focus more time and energy on attending career fairs or networking events to connect with potential employers in person. The key is to be open to new ideas and strategies that may not have been on your radar before. Take a fresh approach, you can gain new insights, find new opportunities, and ultimately increase your chances of landing a job that's a great fit for you. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new – it just might be the change you need to jumpstart your job search.

Looking for even more ideas?

Check out Nandini’s story and how she bounced back after facing rejection:

• ​How I Got Hired At Apple AFTER REJECTIONS​

You are on a difficult path. The hard work and sacrifice is most definitely worth it. If you are feeling discouraged or frustrated in your journey, I’d love to talk with you sometime. Let’s schedule a time to talk through your unique situation. We can talk through your past experiences and some ideas for how you can bounce back and get that job you’ve always wanted.