Rejection is tough. It stings. Whether it’s a job application that goes unanswered, a promotion you didn’t get, or an idea that was dismissed in a meeting, hearing “no” can be discouraging. But what if rejection wasn’t the end of the road? What if, instead, it was a stepping stone to something even greater?
For many of us, especially women in tech, the fear of rejection is a major roadblock. We hesitate to speak up, apply for bigger roles, or negotiate for what we deserve because we don’t want to face rejection. But the truth is, rejection is not a reflection of your worth—it’s an opportunity for growth.
My Story: Learning to Embrace Rejection
When I moved to the U.S., I applied to hundreds of jobs with no response. It was frustrating and disheartening. Then, I finally landed an interview. I was hopeful, but the interviewer was hostile from the start. The rejection that followed crushed me. I started questioning myself—was I not good enough? Was my experience not valuable?
But after some reflection, I realized that this rejection wasn’t about me. It was about a flawed process, an interviewer’s bias, and the fact that applying cold to jobs wasn’t the best strategy. So I changed my approach. Instead of relying on applications, I focused on networking, meeting people for coffee, and learning how to present myself effectively on LinkedIn. Eventually, I landed a job—through a referral, not an application.
That rejection was a turning point. It forced me to shift my strategy and, ultimately, helped me build a more sustainable and successful career path.
Why Rejection Feels So Personal (And Why It’s Not)
It’s natural to take rejection personally, but in most cases, it’s not about you at all. Companies have hiring biases, managers have their own priorities, and timing plays a huge role. Instead of internalizing rejection, start viewing it as a piece of information—feedback you can use to refine your approach.
How to Stop Letting Rejection Hold You Back
✅ Reframe Rejection as Redirection
Every rejection teaches you something. Maybe it highlights a skill you need to develop, a strategy you need to adjust, or an environment that isn’t the right fit. Instead of seeing rejection as failure, view it as a course correction toward something better.
✅ Practice Getting Comfortable with No
One of the best ways to overcome the fear of rejection is to practice hearing “no” in low-stakes situations. Ask for a discount at a store. Request an upgrade on a flight. The goal isn’t necessarily to get a “yes” but to normalize the experience of asking—and realizing that rejection isn’t the worst thing that can happen.
✅ Seek Feedback and Act on It
After a rejection, ask for feedback. If a hiring manager passes on you, ask what you can improve. If a promotion doesn’t come through, ask what skills you need to develop. Then, take action based on what you learn.
✅ Build a Strong Support System
Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and friends who can help you navigate rejection. Having people who remind you of your strengths makes all the difference when setbacks happen.
✅ Keep Moving Forward
The only way rejection wins is if you stop trying. Keep putting yourself out there, applying for roles, speaking up in meetings, and advocating for yourself. Resilience is built through action, not avoidance.
Join Me for a Live Chat & Learn on Overcoming Rejection
If you’re struggling with the fear of rejection and want actionable strategies to overcome it, I invite you to join me for a live, interactive session where we’ll go even deeper into these topics:
📆 Date: February 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 12 PM ET
🔗 Register here: Event Link
We’ll talk about how to build resilience, reframe rejection, and take bold action in your career. Plus, I’ll be sharing more personal insights and answering your questions live!
Final Thoughts: Rejection is Not the End—It’s the Beginning
If I had let my early rejections define me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Instead, I used them to refine my approach, build resilience, and ultimately create a career I love. And you can do the same.
So, the next time you hear “no,” remind yourself: this is not the end of my journey—it’s just a step toward something better.
Let’s start thriving, together.
About Limor Bergman Gross
I’m Limor Bergman Gross, a former Director of Engineering with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. Today, I’m passionate about mentoring and coaching women in tech, helping them break through barriers and advance their careers.
Through my podcast, From a Woman to a Leader, I share conversations with inspiring women who provide actionable strategies to help you thrive in tech leadership roles.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: limorbergman.com/podcast
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- Website: limorbergman.com
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