Having a rough time getting new ideas across? Or just got turned down for a job you really wanted? Well I know how it feels (I really do). Working in recruitment we deal with rejection every day. Hearing "no" from clients or candidates is a fact of daily life.

Why am I telling you this? Well ... especially in technology we're used to things following a clear path. Sure in engineering we deal with Murphy's law more than in any other profession. But in the end we still have more control over the outcome than a person sitting in a sales office making cold calls.

If you just got turned down then check this inspiration from John Cleese (it always makes me smile):

About Cleese's stance on creativity, leadership and management in the Harvard Business Review: http://hbr.org/2014/03/john-cleese/ar/1

How do you get good at something like a job interview - a skill we only need every few years?

Well how do you get good at programming or at calculus and algebra? With practice. You keep doing it. It's no different with job interviews: Treat every rejection like a gift and opportunity to learn. After 3 or 5 interviews you'll see a pattern and chances are you are much less nervous at your 3rd interview than at your first.

And with "keep doing it" I don't mean only until you have a job. Keep doing it at least once a year! Exercise those synapses and then take a new position when you feel at your peak in your current activity. Leave when you feel at your best. That way you will be remembered as a top performer by your old boss and have the best foundation during the interview and negotiation phase.

Another fun game especially when played as part of a group of friends is the "rejection therapy" game.

There is only one official rule to Rejection Therapy, which is to be rejected by another person at least once, every day. There are also stipulations as to what counts as a rejection and what does not:

A rejection counts if you are out of your comfort zone A rejection counts if your request is denied At the time of rejection, the player, not the respondent, should be in a position of vulnerability. The player should be sensitive to the feelings of the person being asked.

This probably goes without saying: Don't be a bad-ass and play the Rejection Therapy game in job interviews with our clients ;-)

If you work in tech (or are a Monty Python fan) remember to connect with me.

have fun!