Research by Doctor David Biggs at the University of Gloucestershire found that being turned down for a job can feel like being rejected by a romantic partner or, at its worst, going through a divorce.

The research was interview-based. People react more strongly to rejection than we’d thought. One person compared it to a divorce where one party thinks they’re useless. One even stated that they needed to have a year-long psychological break as the constant rejections were having an effect on them and their family. Overall, the study found that the effects can last for years or even make people emigrate.

Should employers do anything ? It’s important to ensure recruitment methods are not only professionally carried out but obviously relevant. They should explain how they relate to the job and how they’re used. The research discovered a strong anti-psychometric bias among candidates. People though their rejection was based on one set of test results which they didn’t see as relevant.

This is a strong argument for people to use good relevant tests, get trained properly and follow the guidelines publishers use. A disenchanted job applicant will go away and tell friends about their perceived bad experience. Well-used tests, particularly for smaller companies in local communities, improve company brands because they’re seen as professional.