REJECTION 101: Building teen resilience for their ‘first job’ hunt

Applying for a job is a big deal for teens. It’s often their first time stepping outside their comfort zone, putting themselves out there, and taking a leap of confidence. But what happens when they pour their energy into job applications and interviews, only to be met with silence? No response. No feedback. Just a void that leaves them questioning their worth and feeling like they’re not good enough.

For many young people, this is the harsh reality of their first job hunt. At an age when rejection feels deeply personal, it’s easy for them to internalise the silence and let it chip away at their confidence. Without the life experience to see rejection as part of the process, it can feel overwhelming and discouraging.

As a parent, I’ve seen this struggle first-hand. When my first child started applying for jobs, their initial excitement quickly turned into doubt after repeated rejections, never once receiving any acknowledgment or feedback. Now, I’m supporting my second child through the same process. This time, though, we had a glimpse of what could make a difference. Out of all the applications she sent, one employer took the time to respond and explain that the decision not to hire her wasn’t about her qualifications, but her availability. That thoughtful gesture gave her closure and restored her confidence.

If one simple email can make such a difference, imagine what a more thoughtful hiring process could do for all young job seekers.

How Rejection Affects Young Job Seekers

For teens, rejection doesn’t just feel professional—it feels personal. They’re at an age where they’re still forming their identity, and putting themselves out there takes a lot of courage. When they’re met with silence, it’s easy for them to assume they’re not good enough. This feeling can be compounded when they see friends landing jobs and start wondering, “What’s wrong with me?” Without guidance, these emotions can lead to self-doubt and discourage them from trying again.

As parents, we can’t control how employers operate, but we can equip our kids with the tools to turn rejection into a learning experience. By offering compassion and helping them reframe these setbacks, we can empower them to stay resilient and keep moving forward.

4 Ways to Help Your Teen Build Resilience in their Job Hunt

1. Set realistic expectations
   Help your teen understand that not every application will get a response. Explain that this isn’t about their worth—it’s often about logistics or high competition. Setting this expectation early can soften the emotional impact.

2. Celebrate the process
   Acknowledge the courage it takes for them to apply and step outside their comfort zone. Highlight the skills they’re developing—writing a résumé, attending interviews—and remind them that every effort is progress.

3. Encourage them to follow up
   Teach your teen to send polite follow-up emails after interviews. Even if they don’t get a response, they’re learning professionalism and persistence—qualities that will serve them well in the future.

4. Reframe rejection as growth
   Share stories of your own setbacks and how you turned them into opportunities. For my daughter, hearing that the rejection was due to availability and not her skills helped her reframe the experience. It gave her the confidence to keep moving forward and trying again.

A Call to Employers

I understand that employers today often receive hundreds of applications for a single role. I frequently hear, “We just don’t have the time to respond to everyone.” And while I can appreciate the challenge, my thoughts are this: If I can send thousands of emails in one click, so could an employer. Even a generic “no thanks” email is better than silence.

But going that little bit further—personalising these responses—while it does take time, can have a meaningful impact. It shows respect for the effort applicants have put in and provides valuable closure. For young job seekers, this feedback can teach them what to improve on, restore their confidence, and keep them motivated to keep trying. A small gesture can make a huge difference.

By treating every applicant with courtesy—whether it’s their first job or their fiftieth—employers not only help individuals grow but also remind us all of the importance of being good humans. A little kindness can go a long way, especially for young people just starting their journey.