You get a callback from a company that wants to offer you an amazing opportunity, you speak with them on the phone, or you talk with them in person. And you don't hear anything back. Or even worse, you get that email that's filled with false hope, you open it, and the first lines are "we regret to inform you..."

This has been a harsh reality for the past couple months. Being recently graduated, I'm looking to start a career or at least get a job that offers me some type of stability. It doesn't matter what stage in life you're in though; it stings when you don't get that call back.

I've also been in second car accident of the year, in a brand new car. This can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful.

Life is full of failures and when you come to realize this, it becomes easier to overcome those failures. It's how you handle it afterwards. And this is what the new year is all about. Here are some tips to bounce back stronger:

1. Take Note & Learn

When it comes to an interview I try to remember what went well and what didn't. For example, when I was asked to come up with a sales strategy, I came up with something right then and there, and it was a pretty weak plan. I should have researched the job a little and come up with a way to do the job successfully.

Also, write down the questions they asked and you answered well. Write down what you said, and try to memorize the gist of your answer so you can say it as eloquently as possible for next time.

If there is something in your life that you seem to fail at, take note of what you could've done better, even if it just seems like bad luck. For example, I felt like my accidents were purely bad luck, but maybe if I was less distracted and not rushed, I could have spared myself the trouble.

2. Brainstorm for the "Unexpected"

Those typical interview questions (like the one I mentioned in tip #1) do hold a lot of weight to the interviewers. They help to weed out people that either have bad or stereotypical answers. These things can be prepared for. And when you realize how many things are just random, but actually calculated, the easier it is to get through little problems.

3. Put yourself out there, avidly

Keep applying. Don't give up. Interviewing is exhausting. Especially for an introvert, like me. That being said, practice makes perfect. The more you feel comfortable in an interview, the more likely you are to get the job.

Don't be afraid to do anything because of how many times you fail. Some form of this is on any motivational quote page you find. I think the reason this message is so repetitious is because it's important and it's very hard to follow through on. Failing makes you feel inadequate, and it's hard to keep that confidence. About that confidence...

4. Be proud & be confident

Be proud of yourself that you're out there trying to grow as an individual. That you even got an interview. Some people don't even get that far. You might not have, in the end, been a good fit for the job and that's okay.

I like to use this actor metaphor. There are many different types of actors and many different types of characters. We all know there are just better fits for a role. It might be the way they look, the people they know, or they way they interpret the character. Same for a job. Could you imagine if Arnold Schwarzenegger as the lead in Black Swan? It doesn't mean he's a bad actor (well, this doesn't) and it doesn't mean the role is bad either, just doesn't fit. There are so many factors that go into picking the "right person" for the job. Don't feel inadequate. Something is out there waiting for you to come grab it. Be patient and everything will fall into place.

UPDATE: I actually received another interview with this company that inspired me to write this. I didn't get a third though, which was even more heartbreaking, because I was so much closer to getting the job. My had to remind myself of my fourth tip because of how upset I was about it. Practice what you preach amiriiittte?!

Looking Forward Despite Hardship