In my professional career, I sent 200+ job applications and got less than 20 rejections, while the rest 180+ emails were never replied to. (Sh)it happens, but learn how to live with the rejection.

In the world of product management, rejection is often an unwelcome but inevitable companion on the journey towards success. Many aspiring product managers find themselves facing rejection, even when they appear to be the perfect fit for a role they’ve applied for. Also, don’t get tricked by LinkedIn saying you were among the Top 10% of all job applicants for a specific job that you are interested in. They will still reject you. However, what if rejection could be reframed as a valuable opportunity for growth and self-discovery? Drawing inspiration from John Fuhrmann’s insightful book, “Reject Me – I Love It!: 21 Secrets for Turning Rejection into Direction,” we can explore how adopting an ever-improving mindset can transform rejection into a stepping stone towards achieving our goals in the field of product management.

The Ever-Improving Mindset

Fuhrmann emphasizes the importance of maintaining an ever-improving mindset, viewing rejection not as a setback but as a catalyst for growth. For product managers entering the field, this mindset is invaluable. Instead of dwelling on rejection, they can use it as an opportunity to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and strive to become better with each experience.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Product management is a field that demands resilience. Rejection can be disheartening, but Fuhrmann teaches us to embrace it with enthusiasm. By viewing rejection as a chance to refine our skills and approach, product managers can develop the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of the industry. Each rejection becomes a lesson in perseverance and determination, ultimately strengthening their resolve to succeed.

Embracing Feedback

One of the secrets Fuhrmann shares is the importance of seeking feedback and learning from rejection. Product managers can apply this principle by actively seeking feedback from interviewers or recruiters after facing rejection. By understanding why they were not selected for a particular role, they can gain valuable insights into areas where they can improve, whether it’s enhancing their technical skills or refining their communication style.

Iterative Learning and Growth

In product management, iteration is key to success. Fuhrmann’s approach to rejection aligns perfectly with this principle, emphasizing the importance of iterative learning and growth. Instead of viewing rejection as a final verdict, product managers can see it as an opportunity to iterate on their approach, continuously refining their strategies until they achieve their desired outcomes. Each rejection becomes a valuable data point in their journey towards success.

“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”
Abraham Maslow

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Central to Fuhrmann’s philosophy is the concept of a growth mindset – the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Product managers can apply this mindset to their approach to rejection by reframing it as a chance to learn and grow. Rather than viewing rejection as a reflection of their worth or abilities, they can see it as a temporary setback on the path to achieving their goals. By cultivating a growth mindset, product managers can turn rejection into motivation, driving them to continually strive for excellence in their field.

So, what is happening in the end?!

In the competitive world of product management, rejection is inevitable. However, by adopting the principles outlined in John Fuhrmann’s book, product managers can transform rejection into a valuable opportunity for growth and self-improvement. By embracing an ever-improving mindset, cultivating resilience, seeking feedback, embracing iterative learning, and cultivating a growth mindset, product managers can navigate the challenges of rejection with grace and determination, ultimately propelling themselves towards success in their careers. So, the next time you face rejection as a product manager, remember – reject me, I love it! It’s just another step on the journey towards greatness.

PS The article originally appeared on my Substack: ProdMan | Substack