How to handle rejection at your PR job

"I think it's all about showing the other person 'What's in it for them?' And that means changing your perspective of No - - - to Not Yet", shares Jovan Saldana, an experienced communications professional.

"So every time we get a No, we try harder to give people reasons to say YES", she adds.

Priyanka Bhatt, founder of Equations PR & Media, agrees, "Start by framing the situation as a learning experience. Objectively analyze the feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Acknowledge your emotions, but don’t let them cloud your judgment."

Bhatt further suggests, following up with an inquiry to gain more detailed feedback, which helps you understand their decision and demonstrates your commitment to improvement. Use the constructive feedback to refine your approach. 

It’s crucial to understand the “why” behind a client’s decision, as this insight reveals gaps you can address to grow personally and professionally.

Shefali Khanna, co-founder & chief marketing officer, Astrum - Reputation Advisory says, "As a reputation management consultant, 'No' from a stakeholder is an insight. It informs my strategy and refines my approach.

"It challenges me to explore alternative possibilities to achieve the desired outcomes as long as they are legitimate, ethical and feasible", adds Khanna.

“It is crucial to understand that rejections are never personal, and it is part of the process of growth. Each rejection allows me to evolve and learn something from a different perspective", shares Supriya Debnath, PR account executive, at Avian WE.

 "Rather than being discouraged, I focus on refining my pitches and tailoring them more effectively to suit the audience. When I’m confident that a pitch is strong, I make sure the core message stays intact while adapting the objectives to align with the journalist’s narrative or my client’s brand goals".

Rupali Soni, assistant manager, of On Purpose comments, "Rejection is an inevitable part of the PR world, and while it can sting a little, I’ve learned to embrace it as an opportunity for growth. When a client, journalist, or management says ‘no,’ one should see it as a chance to refine their approach and sharpen their strategies.

Sure, there’s a moment of disappointment, but I’ve trained myself to bounce back quickly. For me, it’s all about perspective—each rejection is feedback, not a reflection of my worth or capabilities. Viewing rejection as feedback, rather than a personal failure, is key to staying motivated.

Resilience is crucial in PR. Every ‘no’ brings you one step closer to the ‘yes’ that can make all the difference. Staying positive, adaptable, and focused on the bigger picture helps maintain well-being and ensures that your best work continues to shine, regardless of the setbacks."

Mayank Jha, a senior hospitality  PR professional recommends, "My best tip to get over a "no" is to reframe it. A "no" doesn't always mean rejection; often, it means "not right now" or "not this way." When you hear "no," dig deeper—ask why. Understand their concerns, re-evaluate your pitch, and pivot. 

Persistence, adaptability, and patience are key. In PR, it's crucial to remember that today's "no" could turn into tomorrow's "yes" if you find a different angle that resonates."