They Said “You’re Too Corporate.” Here’s Why That Rejection Didn’t Matter.

Rejection stings—especially when you feel like you were the right fit.

I recently worked with a corporate leader who wanted to use his leadership in smaller organizations than he had previously.. He had the skills, the experience, and the drive. But after an interview, the hiring manager gave him feedback that felt like a gut punch:

"You’re too corporate."

He took it hard. He assumed this meant he’d never make the leap. But instead of accepting that narrative, we rewrote the story.

Why Perception Matters More Than Qualifications

This client wasn’t actually "too corporate." He had plenty of scrappy, adaptable experience—it just wasn’t coming through in his resume or interviews.

Together, we shifted the way he told his story:

✔ We reworked his resume to highlight agility over structure.
✔ We repositioned his experience to emphasize problem-solving over process.
✔ We created new talking points to show how he had navigated ambiguity, adapted quickly, and thrived in fast-moving environments.

Two weeks later? He landed an offer.

At an even smaller company than the one that had rejected him.

Your Fit Isn’t Just About Your Experience—It’s About Your Narrative

Rejection isn’t always about your qualifications. Sometimes, it’s about how you position yourself.

If you’ve ever been told:
❌ “You don’t have the right background.”
❌ “You’re not a cultural fit.”
❌ “We’re looking for someone with industry experience.”

It doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it means the way you’re presenting your value isn’t connecting with what they’re looking for.

Instead of taking rejection as a final verdict, ask yourself:

✅ Am I highlighting the most relevant parts of my experience?
✅ Am I framing my background in a way that speaks to their needs?
✅ Am I showing that I can bridge the gap between my experience and this new industry?

Rejection Isn’t the End—It’s a Redirection

This client’s story is proof that the right company will see your value—if you frame it correctly.

If you’ve been passed over for a role that you knew you could crush, don’t give up. Rework your approach, refine your messaging, and keep going.

Because the next company? They just might see exactly what you bring to the table.

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