Remember to remain positive and model a growth mindset for the interviewer. Avoid being negative or bitter about rejection experiences.

"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."

"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."