This Microsoft VP, who was rejected by Google in 13 interviews over 2 rounds, has a 5-point guide to cope with snubbing

Rejection is never easy in life. Whether in the professional or personal sphere, being rejected (for a role or by someone) can have consequences in the long run, often causing people to harbour self-doubts.

Amit Fulay did not let rejection get the better of him. Fulay, whose LinkedIn bio lists him as "Vice President of Product, Microsoft, and Board Member, Nike Strength" described the life lessons that he got from facing multiple rejections at the start of his career.

In a post on LinkedIn, Fulay recalled being interviewed at Google in 2007. The process, he says, comprised 13 interviews over 2 rounds, and he was rejected.


A year later, there was again a window of opportunity, and he reminisced that "they "re-opened" my packet and asked me to do one more interview with their then VP of Search. It lasted for 8 mins since she was sick. 3 days later, I got the rejection email."


An alumnus of COEP Technological University, Pune, he then narrated having faced subsequent snubbing at Facebook (in their early days) and Twitter for various reasons.

Fulay, who later went on to have a seven-year stint at Google, and a three-year experience at Facebook, summarised the process of interviewing as a tough one that can be demanding.

"Interviewing is tough…… you put in the hard work, go through a long process and the rejection always hurts," he wrote.

He also shared a 5-point guide of sort for those preparing to interview:

1) Rejection is not final: my case in point. I have had reasonably successful stints at all the companies I thought I would never make it in.
2) You are not alone: most go through this experience. I know many successful senior leaders at various companies who did too. "Don’t let the LinkedIn profiles fool you"
3) Sometimes you will fall short: you just won't be good enough. When that happens - pick yourself up, and try harder.
4) Sometimes the stars won't align: role got removed, someone else has a better fit, reorgs. Dust it off and move on.
5) And every once in a while, it will be a lucky miss. Just like my Twitter case. No one I interviewed with at that time is at the company anymore and the whole place imploded. God always has a better plan for you.

Have you ever faced rejection in any job you interviewed? Do share your experience in the Comments section.