Securing a new job can be challenging. Having a resume that stands out, getting an interview, impressing the team, and providing excellent references could make it seem like you have a really good chance of getting an offer. But what if you did all this and still did not land the job?

Yes, disappointment sets in and you wonder where you went wrong in the process. But the truth is you may have been a great candidate, but the organization could have been looking for a certain fit. Remind yourself that you haven’t been rejected, you’ve been redirected.

All leaders have to be comfortable with hearing no and moving forward anyway. Rejection hurts, but how you bounce back from it sets the winners apart from the losers. Remember each “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.” So how do you take your rejection in stride and keep going? Consider these three steps.

Stay positive. A positive mindset will keep you focused and confident and eliminate feelings of discouragement. Be grateful for the opportunity to have been considered for the role and know that there was something about you that made you stand out among the host of other candidates who applied. While you may not have been the perfect fit for this particular role, the interviewer may consider you for another position more aligned with your skills. Always stay gracious, keep a smile on your face, and have faith that you were redirected from that position to allow something greater to open up for you.

All leaders have to be comfortable with hearing no and moving forward anyway.

Ask for feedback. Collecting feedback from the interviewer, a mentor, or trusted colleague can help you prepare for the next job you apply for. Even if you feel like you may have knocked it out of the park, there are still some opportunities for growth in improving areas in your job search approach. If you are not getting any hits on your resume, consider asking someone else to review it. If you have made it to the interview stage but have not secured an offer, shift your approach. In some cases, the interviewer will be open to providing feedback and advice on what you can improve upon. However, if that is not an option, role play with a mentor or colleague and get their thoughts on what you can do better. Have you conducted enough research about the organization? Are your selling points clear and concise? Are you leading with confidence? Practice makes perfect, and with each interview you will get better. Accept constructive criticism and feedback and use it to enhance your approach.

Keep going. Like the old saying goes, “Never put all your eggs in one basket”. Don’t let rejection stop you from reaching your goal. Keep your options open and keep putting yourself out there. Remember, losers give up when they fail, but winners stick it out and don’t stop until they succeed. Always keep the momentum going during your job search. Stay ready and prepared because you never know where that next opportunity will come from. Continue to stay connected to your professional network and keep improving daily. The more you are in the action, the greater the chance you’ll secure your dream job role.

In today’s competitive job market, you have to be able to roll with the punches. Sometimes what you think is a good fit for you may not be, and that’s OK. A “no” could mean not right now, and rejection is a redirection to something greater.