One of the most important parts of my role as a Candidate Researcher at Stanton House is keeping in touch with interim Accountancy & Finance professionals throughout their job search. I help candidates navigate their careers, find exciting opportunities, and support them before, during, and after placements. But with that comes a tough responsibility, delivering both good and bad news about job applications.

Handling rejection is never easy. I see firsthand how disappointing it can be when a role doesn’t work out. But I also know that rejection is not a reflection of your abilities, it’s simply part of the journey to finding the right opportunity.

However, rejection often feels personal, and it can be difficult to see it as just part of the fast-paced, highly competitive world of interim work. That’s why I’m passionate about helping candidates build resilience, shift their perspective, and turn setbacks into valuable learning opportunities.

Rejection & Resilience: The Key to Success in Interim Careers

A few years ago, Stanton House published an insight paper on the importance of building emotional resilience, a topic that felt especially relevant in the aftermath of Covid when resilience was something we all needed in abundance. Revisiting it now, I’m reminded of its core message: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about using challenges as opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow.

Rejection takes a toll on your confidence and emotional well-being, but I think developing your emotional resilience (the ability to bounce back, learn, and grow from setbacks) is the key to long-term success.

It’s completely normal to feel discouraged when you don’t get a role you wanted. But I always tell my candidates that every "no" gets you closer to the right "yes." Here are some practical ways to handle rejection and keep moving forward.

1. Reframe Rejection as a Learning Opportunity

I love the acronym F.A.I.L., which stands for "First Attempt in Learning," because it represents a mindset shift—viewing setbacks as stepping stones towards growth. Instead of dwelling on rejection, ask yourself:

• What can I learn from this experience?
• How can I improve for next time?

I always strive to gather valuable feedback from hiring managers to help candidates identify areas for improvement whether it’s refining a CV, enhancing interview technique, or adjusting communication style.

Case in Point: The Overly Lengthy Interview Responses

I recently worked with a candidate who struggled in interviews because his responses were too long and lacked precision. It was difficult feedback to give, but I explained that hiring managers often value concise answers. We discussed a simple yet effective approach: keeping responses clear and to the point, while adding, “Would you like me to expand on this?” at the end. He found this tip really helpful, and I even offered to do a mock interview before his next one. His improvement was evident in his next interview, and he appreciated the constructive feedback.

2. Manage Your "Stress Bucket" & Build Emotional Resilience

The stress bucket analogy suggests that everyone has a different capacity for handling stress. If your bucket is too full (from multiple rejections or personal stressors), it can overflow, making it harder to stay motivated.

To keep your stress bucket manageable, focus on positive coping strategies:

✅ Regular exercise & rest – Keeps your energy levels up.
✅ Staying connected with peers – Talking to others reminds you that you’re not alone.
✅ Practising mindfulness & self-reflection – Helps regain perspective after setbacks.

On the flip side, unhelpful coping mechanisms - such as avoiding job searching altogether or being overly self-critical - can make rejection feel even more overwhelming.

3. Fine-Tune Your Interview Techniques

Interviews are skills that improve with practice. If you’re receiving multiple rejections at the final stage, it might be worth revisiting your interview style, storytelling approach, or technical explanations.

Tip: Mock interviews, self-recording, or coaching from recruiters (like me!) can help sharpen your responses and increase your confidence.

Case in Point: Industry Experience vs. Transferable Skills

One of the most frustrating rejections candidates face is being told they lack industry experience. Often, they question why they were invited to interview in the first place. The truth is, sometimes a client prioritises transferable skills over direct industry experience, until they find another candidate who has both. It’s not personal; it’s simply about competition.

I recently worked with a candidate who was rejected for this very reason. While disappointing, I reassured them that clients sometimes take a chance on skills over experience. And, in other cases, they opt for the “safer” choice of someone with both. It can go either way. The key is to keep applying, refining how you showcase your skills, and being open to opportunities that value transferable experience.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

The key to resilience is focusing on what you can influence:

✔ Can you improve your LinkedIn presence? 
✔ Can you expand your professional network?
✔ Can you upskill in areas that make you a stronger candidate?

By taking proactive steps, you regain control over your job search rather than feeling powerless in the face of rejection.

5. Keep Moving Forward with a Growth Mindset

Rejection doesn’t define your talent or potential. It’s simply part of the job search process. Some of the most successful professionals I’ve worked with have faced setbacks but remained proactive and adaptable.

Case in Point: The Cultural Fit Rejection

Cultural fit rejections are particularly tough because they often feel personal. I recently worked with a candidate who had all the right skills but wasn’t the right fit for a company’s work culture. This can be frustrating, but I explained that cultural alignment is about values and work style, not capability.

To help, I encouraged them to reflect on their values and what they truly wanted in a workplace. We then refined their job search strategy to target companies that better aligned with their priorities. Reframing rejection in this way turned a disappointment into a valuable learning experience.

The Job Market for Interim Accountancy & Finance Professionals

The good news? The interim finance market is full of opportunities!

Businesses are increasingly blending interim finance talent into permanent teams to remain adaptable amid external economic challenges. This means, while rejection is part of the journey, new opportunities are constantly emerging—especially for skilled interim professionals who remain adaptable and proactive.

If you’d like help with navigating your interim job search, preparing for interviews, or understanding market trends, please reach out. I’d love to support you in finding your next opportunity.