“Hi Dorothy, thank you for your application, unfortunately…”
I saw that sentence so many times that it almost became routine. Before I share how I secured my placement, here’s the reality behind it:
Number of applications submitted: 55
Number of times I reached the final round: 6
The number of offers I received: 1
You might think people get placement offers easily. Actually, nope! This year has been brutal. According to the ISE Student Recruitment Survey 2025, there were 123 applicants per work placement in 2025 and this is forecasted to be even higher this year.
I started applying really early in September. I was invited to a couple of second-stage or final-stage events for a global management consulting firm, a Big Four professional services firm, a vehicle leasing company for disabled individuals, a multinational oil and gas corporation, a global investment bank and financial services firm, and more…. Each time, I felt hopeful. Each time, I was rejected.
Christmas was probably the hardest point in my journey. I felt like I was so close - like the door was right in front of me - but it kept shutting. After multiple rejections, I was honestly devastated. I questioned myself. I doubted what I had done wrong. I was very close to giving up.
But all of a sudden, I started receiving interview invitations from applications I had almost forgotten about. I got to the final stage assessment of one still determined to be my authentic self. I didn’t try to “perform” a different version of me, I simply focused on communicating my experiences clearly and showing genuine enthusiasm. And then - BOOM! I got an offer from Samsung to join as a Data Analyst.
That moment made me realise something important.
There was actually nothing fundamentally wrong with me at the previous assessment centres. For a long time, I thought each rejection meant I wasn’t good enough. But in reality, recruitment decisions are much more nuanced than that.
Sometimes it comes down to team dynamics; what many people casually call the 'vibe'. I’ve spoken to several employees who shared that, at the final stage, many candidates are equally capable of doing the job. The deciding factor can simply be team fit, personality balance, or what the team needs at that specific time. Not every company will resonate with your personality, and that’s OK. Just as there may be organisations where you don’t feel aligned, there will also be companies that genuinely value and appreciate who you are.
That is why I don’t recommend changing your style. There is little point in joining a company where you have to constantly adjust yourself to fit in. The right environment will not only recognise your skills but also allow you to thrive as your authentic self.
So if you’ve been rejected, please don’t automatically assume it’s because you lack ability. Don’t overthink every rejection.
Most importantly, keep going and going until you have an offer. Sometimes the opportunity you least expect is the one that changes everything.
You are more than welcome to have a drop in with our Careers Consultants - or me - in the Careers Centre. We are always here to support you in your placement journey.
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