This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Avoid emotional attachments to companies
“No” means nothing to me, except I’m one step closer to landing my next role with a different company.
If you become emotionally attached to the word “no,” you will get hammered in the job search process.
The average job application hears back on applications 1–5% of the time, and if you’re applying for 100 leads every week (as you should be doing), you will get plenty of rejections, which is a healthy sign.
Something I frequently tell my students:
Every rejection puts you closer to the right role.
Immediately apply to another role once you get a rejection to keep that momentum going, keep your head up, and your mindset right.
Become immune to the word “no.”
It’s just a word, not the end of the world.
Keep applying.
Keep interviewing.
And keep it moving.
One More Thing: Avoid Emotional Attachments
Don’t get emotionally attached to companies. This applies before and after you get the job.
Even while you’re working there, don’t become emotionally attached.
This will serve you in the long run if you ever experience anything like many employees at Twitter and other enterprise-level companies.
Unfortunately, at the end of the day, you are an employee, and that is all. A company can treat you like gold, but they can also still let you go at any moment.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.