By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn) 

Rejection is inevitable in the Medical Affairs world. Whether it's a job rejection, a KOL who won’t meet with you, or an internal opportunity that slips through your fingers, the sting is real. But the most successful MSLs don’t just survive rejection:  

They leverage it. 

The comments on Sarah Snyder’s LinkedIn post about job rejection weren’t just about commiseration. They revealed a distinct mindset among experienced MSLs and Medical Affairs Leaders: rejection is not just a setback, it’s: 

→ Strategic data 

→ Career filter 

→ Sometimes even a lucky break 

Here’s why every “no” you receive is actually doing you a favor and how to turn rejection into a catalyst for success. 

From Rejection to Opportunity: Why MSL Careers Are Built on Resilience

1. Rejection Filters the Wrong Opportunities 

You don’t want just any MSL job. You want the right one. Many hiring decisions come down to fit, culture, and company priorities that have little to do with your capabilities. As Beth Ann Schimel wisely pointed out, "If you didn’t get the offer, it wasn’t meant to be your job." 

Think about it: a rejection could mean dodging a toxic manager, an unstable pipeline, or a company with unrealistic expectations. Instead of seeing a rejection as personal failure, reframe it as a misalignment that saved you from a job you wouldn’t thrive in. 

How to use this insight: 

• If possible, ask for feedback. Not just on your performance, but on why they chose someone else. You might uncover critical red flags that weren’t obvious before. 

• Reflect on whether you were actually excited about the role or just desperate to land something. 

2. Rejection is an Indicator, Not a Verdict 

A single rejection means nothing. But if you're seeing patterns, it’s time to analyze the data: 

→ Ghosted after initial screenings 

→ Stalled after final interviews 

→ Repeatedly overlooked for promotions 

Several commenters in Sarah’s thread shared stories of multiple rejections before landing their dream roles. Hiring manager Scott Conry put it best: "I've landed some of my best roles shortly after being told "no" from someone else." 

How to use this insight: 

• Track your job search data: Where are you losing momentum? Are you struggling at the resume stage, screening calls, or final interviews? 

• If you’re making it to late-stage interviews but not landing offers, you might need to refine how you communicate your impact and value. 

3. Hiring Managers Remember Strong Candidates

Rejection doesn’t mean the door is closed forever. Hiring managers don’t forget great candidates, especially in a specialized field like Medical Affairs. 

Jason Enders, a director in Medical Affairs, pointed out: "I am firm believer that a no today is often not no forever. I’ve met candidates in the process that are an excellent fit when another opportunity arises." 

How to use this insight: 

• If you felt the interview went well but didn’t land the job, stay in touch. Connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn and express your continued interest. 

• Be gracious in your response. A simple "I really enjoyed learning more about your team. I’d love to stay connected for future opportunities" can make a lasting impression. 

4. A Single Yes Can Erase 100 Nos 

Many professionals in Sarah’s post shared stories of perseverance: how they kept showing up, refining their approach, and eventually landed an opportunity that changed everything. 

MSL roles aren’t given out casually. Companies invest heavily in hiring the right candidates because MSLs represent them in high-stakes scientific discussions. That means every "no" is simply narrowing the field until the right fit appears. 

How to use this insight: 

• Focus on long-term growth, not short-term setbacks. Your career is not a single job search—it’s a continuous evolution. 

• Instead of dwelling on rejection, ask yourself: What small adjustment can I make to improve my chances next time? 

Conclusion: Why MSL Careers Are Built on Resilience 

Rejection isn’t a reflection of your worth: it’s a test of your adaptability. If you’re willing to analyze, adjust, and persist, you will find the right opportunity. 

So the next time you get that dreaded email, remember: 

• You dodged a job that wasn’t the right fit. 

• You gained data to refine your approach. 

• You’re one step closer to the right opportunity. 

Your career isn’t about whether you get rejected: 

► It’s about what you do next. 

What’s your best lesson from rejection? Share with us on the MSL Mastery LinkedIn page.