When I graduated from college, one of my best friends and I applied for the same job.  It was a shot in the dark for both of us, a position we were barely qualified for, and both of our dream job.  Literally, I dreamt about doing this job every night when I closed my eyes.

I got the interview first.  Looking back my interview was inappropriate and quite a joke, but I was myself, honest, and so, so nervous.  His interview was next and they immediately asked him to fly out in person to interview for the position.  I played the denial game for quite awhile thinking they’d call me soon too, even though I knew that call wasn’t coming.  It never did.  I was crushed.  He got the job.  I couldn’t even look at him for a week at first, now we’re still best friends.

I couldn’t be happier with the path my life took after I didn’t get that position, and never do I think to myself, “man, I wish they would have hired me.”

As a hiring manager, I have turned away 100’s of dream job seekers who were probably convinced that the position we had open was the perfect dream job for them.  Let me let you in on a little secret.  It’s not the perfect dream job, and it’s okay you didn’t get it.  Here’s why:

1. Every job becomes a job, dream or not.  It’s the person in that job that makes it continually challenging and rewarding.  If you feel stuck, look in the mirror.  Regardless of how sure you are, there are ways to make the best of the position you’re in.  When you figure out how to do that, the doors will start flying open.
2. Sometimes hiring managers actually know what they’re looking for and you’re just not it.  It might be because your personality won’t jive with the team.  It might be because your career goals don’t line up with what they can offer.  It might be because what’s important to you isn’t something they’ll be able to offer you.
3. Someone out there could be better.  The awesome thing about this world is there is many different people in it.  Look for a mentor and learn.  Keep growing and pushing, eventually the no will become a yes!

So remember IT’S OKAY!  Be honest with yourself and be who you are.  If that’s not what they’re looking for remind yourself, “IT’S OKAY!”