Starting your career as a Virtual Medical Assistant (VMA) is exciting, but handling job rejections is part of the journey. Whether it’s your first application or your tenth, hearing “no” can be discouraging. However, rejection isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone to growth and improvement.
In this guide, we’ll talk about handling job rejections and how you can bounce back stronger. We’ll also share tips to help you improve your skills and increase your chances of getting hired.
Why Rejections Happen (And It’s Not Always About You)
Before we dive into handling job rejections, it’s important to understand why they happen. Sometimes, it’s about your skills or experience. Other times, it’s simply because someone else was a better fit for that specific role.
Here are common reasons why VMAs face rejection:
- Missing specific skills or certifications.
- Lack of experience in certain medical tasks.
- Incomplete or unclear resume.
- Technical issues during the interview.
- The clinic already filled the role before your application.
It’s normal to feel frustrated, but rejections do not define your worth. Every successful VMA has faced rejection at some point. What matters is how you handle it and how you improve after.
Handling Job Rejections: What VMAs Should Remember
Rejections feel personal, but they are often not. When you receive that email saying “We’ve chosen another candidate,” remind yourself:
- It doesn’t mean you are not good enough.
- It doesn’t mean you will never get hired.
- It doesn’t mean you should give up.
Handling job rejections as a VMA is all about mindset. Instead of thinking, “I failed,” shift your thoughts to, “What can I do better next time?”
Give Yourself Time to Feel Disappointed
Handling job rejections doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad or frustrated. Give yourself a day to process the rejection. Talk to a friend or fellow VMA who understands. After that, it’s time to move forward.
Ask for Feedback (If Possible)
Not every company will provide feedback after a rejection, but it never hurts to ask. A simple email like this can work:
“Thank you for considering my application. I would appreciate any feedback you can share to help me improve for future opportunities.”
Some clients or hiring managers might ignore it, and that’s okay. But if someone gives you honest feedback, treat it like gold. Use that feedback to adjust your approach for the next application.
Review Your Resume and Application
One important part of handling job rejections is self-review. Go back to the resume and cover letter you submitted. Ask yourself:
- Did I highlight my medical skills?
- Did I match my experience to the job post?
- Did I check for grammar errors or typos?
- Was my resume easy to read?
Sometimes, small adjustments make a big difference. If writing resumes isn’t your strength, ask a mentor, colleague, or career coach to review your documents.
Click here to learn more about 7 Timely Virtual Assistant Resume Tips
Practice Your Interview Skills
If you reached the interview stage before the rejection, it’s time to review your performance. Handling job rejections after interviews means asking yourself:
- Did I answer questions with confidence?
- Was I able to explain my skills clearly?
- Did I show strong knowledge of healthcare and medical processes?
- Did I sound too nervous or unsure?
Practice answering common VMA interview questions. Record yourself if needed. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
Improve Your Skills While You Apply
Rejections can be a signal to upgrade your skills. Handling job rejections is easier when you know you’re actively improving. Check the skills listed in VMA job posts and ask yourself:
- Do I need to improve my knowledge of EHR systems?
- Should I practice my medical terminology?
- Am I familiar with telehealth platforms?
- Do I know how to handle patient scheduling tools?
You can take free online courses to sharpen these skills. If you already have experience, make sure you’re highlighting it clearly on your resume.
Build Your Confidence (Even After Multiple Rejections)
Handling job rejections becomes easier when you work on your confidence. Confidence doesn’t mean pretending to be perfect. It means knowing your value as a VMA and believing in your potential.
Here’s a simple exercise:
Write down 3 strengths you have as a VMA. These could be:
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to multitask under pressure.
- Quick learning ability with new tools.
Remind yourself of these strengths before every application and interview. Rejections may shake your confidence, but your skills remain.
Keep Applying (Even If You’re Tired)
Handling job rejections is tough when you feel discouraged. But stopping after one or two rejections only limits your chances. Every application you send brings you closer to that “yes.”
Create a system for applying, like:
- Sending 3-5 applications every week.
- Tracking which clinics or companies you applied to.
- Noting down follow-ups or responses.
The more consistent you are, the higher your chances of landing the right role.
What to Do Between Applications
Handling job rejections is about staying productive while waiting. Here’s how you can use your time wisely:
- Learn a new healthcare software.
- Join VMA communities and network with others.
- Watch online webinars about healthcare trends.
- Practice writing mock patient notes or handling sample phone calls.
This way, you stay sharp and ready when the next interview comes.
Rejections Are Redirections, Not The End
Handling job rejections is not about giving up. It’s about learning, adjusting, and trying again. Every rejection teaches you something valuable — about the industry, your skills, or even your strengths.
Even the most experienced VMAs faced rejection before landing stable roles. The key difference? They didn’t stop trying. They took every “no” as a step closer to the right opportunity.
Your Next Opportunity Is Closer Than You Think
Handling job rejections is not the end of your VMA career — it’s just part of the process. The skills, patience, and confidence you build after rejection will prepare you for the right opportunity.
Stay committed to your growth. Keep improving, learning, and believing in your worth. One “yes” will come, and when it does, you’ll know every rejection was worth it.
Turn Handling Job Rejections into a Learning Opportunity
Rejections are part of the journey for every aspiring VMA. Handling job rejections with the right mindset helps you grow stronger, sharpen your skills, and prepare for better opportunities ahead. Every “no” teaches you something valuable — about the industry, the role, and yourself as a VMA.
At Core Virtual Solutions, we guide VMAs not only in finding the right client but also in building the confidence to face rejections head-on. Ready to grow, improve, and land your dream VMA role? Click here to apply and take the next step toward success!
