How to Answer: When have you been rejected before? How did you handle it?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Fundraising job interview.
1. When have you been rejected before? How did you handle it?
How to Answer
We have all been rejected at some point, and that is okay! The key is sharing how we have learned and grown from our rejections. Think back to a time when you were rejected from something. Maybe you didn't receive the job you were hoping for. Perhaps you didn't make the college football team. Or, maybe you were vying for a promotion, and it was given to your peer. Share an overview of what you were rejected for focusing on what you learned from the situation. Tell the interviewer how you positively handled the situation even though you were very disappointed. Finally, be sure to mention how you made the most of the outcome and are successful today even after the rejection.
Written by Ryan Brown
Avoid This
Remember to remain positive and model a growth mindset for the interviewer. Avoid being negative or bitter about rejection experiences.
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I have been rejected from a variety of things throughout my life. As a kid, I was often left out of soccer and basketball games because I couldn't run fast enough. After high school, my admissions applications were rejected from several universities. When I graduated college, I was rejected from a number of jobs before I landed my first fundraising position. After each of these rejections, I felt sadness, but I was also reminded of my mother's advice to view these situations as guiding me closer to what I was supposed to do with my life. Having this perspective on rejection changed my entire outlook on life, and ever since then, I have been able to accept with grace and confidence that the best thing is right around the corner. Those rejections are exactly what led me to pursue a career in fundraising, and I wouldn't change anything."
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"Throughout my career, I have had several potential donors reject an ask. Either the ask was too much money, the individual did not feel personally connected to the organization's mission, or the ask wasn't geared toward the right program. In any case, I never want to burn bridges, and I view rejections as opportunities to reevaluate my strategy and learn from the experience. I have learned to not take rejections personally, and I always thank potential donors for their time. In addition, I maintain light contact with potential donors who have rejected past offers; sometimes they change their minds after I re-work my pitch. Sometimes they become volunteers. Every connection you make on behalf of the organization has the potential to boost your mission, even if it is not financially."
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022