“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ― Winston Churchill

Looking for work often seems like a (long) series of rejections.

Every time you send a resume and don’t get called for an interview it can feel like a personal attack.

The truth is, job searching and hiring is a process. And getting critiqued, ignored and rejected are (unfortunately) part of that process.

After many weeks or months of job seeking, it is hard to stay positive. While you are in this career transition, remember that you are not the only person who has felt rejection.

Here are a few examples of many famous people who faced rejection before or during their rise to success.

Stephen King’s first novel was rejected 30 times.

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.

Jay-Z couldn’t get signed to any record labels.

Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime.

Oprah Winfrey was told she was “unfit for TV.”

Jerry Seinfeld was booed off stage.

Steve Jobs was fired from the company he started.

The next time you don’t get the interview or job offer you want, remember that your current situation does not define you.

More Info:

• 15 People Who Failed Before Becoming Famous
• 16 Wildly Successful People Who Overcame Huge Obstacles To Get There
• 26 Successful People Who Failed At First