Best Rejection Email Sample After Interview: How to Professionally Reject an Applicant

Have you ever walked out of an interview feeling like you nailed it, only to receive a rejection email a few days later? It can be disappointing and discouraging, but it’s a reality that many job seekers face. The good news is that you’re not alone, and there are ways to soften the blow. In this article, we’ll provide you with a rejection email sample after an interview, and explain how you can edit it to suit your needs. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in.

The Best Structure for a Rejection Email Sample After an Interview

As much as we would like to think that every job interview will result in a job offer, the reality is that not every candidate will be selected. It is important for employers to provide feedback to each candidate, even if it is not the response they were hoping for. Crafting a rejection email sample after an interview can be challenging, but using the right structure will help you communicate your decision clearly and professionally.

The first step in creating a rejection email sample after an interview is to open with a positive message. Thank the candidate for their time, reiterate how impressed you were with their skills and qualifications, and express your gratitude for their interest in the position. This will help soften the blow and show that you genuinely appreciated their efforts throughout the hiring process.

Once you have expressed your appreciation, it is time to deliver the news that the candidate has not been selected for the position. Be clear and concise in your message, but avoid using negative or critical language that could damage your relationship with the candidate. Explain that the decision was difficult, but that the successful candidate was a better match for the role and the company’s needs.

It is a good idea to offer feedback to the candidate in your rejection email sample after an interview, but be clear that this is not a promise to reconsider them for the role or a guarantee that they will be successful in future applications. Provide specific feedback on the areas where they excelled and suggestions for areas where they could improve to increase their chances of success in future applications. This will demonstrate that you took the time to assess their skills and that you value their professional growth.

Finally, end your rejection email sample after an interview on a positive note. Wish the candidate luck in their job search and invite them to apply for any suitable positions that arise in the future. Provide your contact details and encourage them to keep in touch if they have any questions or want to discuss their feedback further.

In conclusion, crafting a rejection email sample after an interview can be challenging, but by using the right structure, you can deliver your message clearly and professionally while still maintaining a positive relationship with the candidate. Open with a positive message, deliver the bad news, offer constructive feedback, and end on a positive note. This approach will help you to maintain the respect of the candidate and ensure that your rejection email sample after an interview reflects positively on your company.

7 Rejection Email Samples after Interview

Regarding Lack of Experience

Greetings,

Thank you for your interest in our company and for taking the time to interview with us for the position of Marketing Coordinator. We have carefully considered your qualifications and unfortunately, we have decided not to move forward with your application at this time. We received a high volume of applicants and while we were impressed with your skills and enthusiasm for the role, we found other candidates better suited based on their level of experience in the field.

We encourage you to continue developing your skills and experience, and to apply for future openings with our company. We appreciate your interest in our organization and wish you all the best in your career endeavors.

Regards,

The HR Team

Regarding Availability

Hello,

Thank you for interviewing for the Sales Associate position at our company. While your qualifications and experience are impressive, we regret to inform you that we will not be moving forward with your candidacy as we need someone with full-time availability, which was not clearly demonstrated during the interview. We apologize for any miscommunication that may have occurred and we appreciate the time and effort you put into applying for our company. We wish you success in your future job search.

Thank you for considering our company as a potential employer,

Best regards,

The Hiring Team

Regarding References

Dear [Applicant Name],

I appreciate the time you spent with us while interviewing for the Administrative Assistant role. Unfortunately, based on the feedback that we have received, we will not be able to consider you for the position as your references did not meet our requirements. We believe that references are an important aspect of the hiring process in evaluating an applicant’s character, work ethic, and skills.

Although we will not be moving forward with your application, we truly appreciate the interest you have expressed in the position and your passion for the industry. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Thank you,

The Hiring Manager

Regarding Personality Fit

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for applying for the position of Customer Service Representative with our company. We greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into winning us over and sharing your experience and skill sets. After careful review of your application and interview, we have determined that unfortunately, your personality may not be the right fit for our organization and the specific requirements of the role.

Thank you again for your interest in our company, and we hope you will continue to stay engaged and connect with us on our social media channels. We wish you the best of luck with your career and job search.

Best regards,

The Hiring Team

Regarding Lack of Qualification

Dear [Applicant Name],

We would like to thank you for considering the position of Software Engineer at our company and taking the time to meet with us for an interview. Due to the competitive pool of candidates we received, we regret to inform you that we will not be moving forward with your application at this time. Unfortunately, your qualifications and experience did not match our minimum requirements for the role.

We appreciate your interest in our company and we encourage you to stay connected with us by following us on social media and joining any talent networks. We will also keep your application in our system should a more aligned position becomes available in the future. We want to wish you the best of luck with your job search,

Thank you,

The Human Resources Department

Regarding the Interview Performance/Lack of fit with Company Culture

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for considering the position of Communications Specialist at our company and for taking the time to interview with us. We appreciate your interest in our company, your passion for the job, and your desire to work with our organization.

However, we regret to inform you that we will not be conducting any further consideration of your application due to the lack of fit with our company culture/ your overall interview performance. We value professionalism, team collaboration, and positivity in our work environment and from our employees, and after thorough consideration, we have determined that our company culture/your overall performance in the interview may not be a good match for our needs.

We appreciate your interest in our company and we wish you the best in your future career endeavors. Thank you for your time and effort.

Best regards,

The HR Manager

Regarding a Duplicate Application or Resume

Dear [Applicant Name],

We would like to thank you for your interest in our company and for applying to the role of Marketing Manager. After reviewing your application, we discovered that this is a duplicate application. We understand that mistakes sometimes happen and you may have submitted your application more than once by accident.

We would like to confirm that we have reviewed all your submissions and have made a decision based on the first application that you submitted. Unfortunately, we have decided not to proceed to the next stage as we found other applicants who were stronger from the first application.

Thank you again for your interest in our company and we encourage you to apply for other roles if their interests you in the future.

Yours Sincerely,

The Hiring Manager

Tips for Writing a Rejection Email Sample After an Interview

One of the hardest things to do after conducting interviews is to reject the candidates. Nonetheless, it is a necessary task that must be executed with care and empathy. To help you with this challenging task, here are some in-depth tips that you can follow:

1. Begin with a Positive Tone

Start your rejection email with a personal touch and thank the candidate for their time and interest in the position. Express that you appreciate their efforts and that it was a pleasure to meet them and learn about their qualifications.

2. Be Clear and Concise

State the reason for the rejection simply and straightforwardly. Don’t try to give lengthy explanations or excuses. Be honest, empathetic and use a clear and concise tone. Remember that this may not be the candidate’s ideal outcome, but it’s important to inform them as quickly as possible to avoid prolonging their anxiety and uncertainty.

3. Offer Constructive Feedback

Try to offer constructive feedback to the candidate. Mention something that they did particularly well in the interview and, if possible, explain why their skills and experiences may not have aligned with the job requirements. Additionally, let them know that even though they were not selected for this particular position, their application and interview were impressive, and if a similar opportunity arises, you would be glad to consider their application in the future.

4. Provide Resources for Improvement

If possible and relevant, offer resources for improvement. Suggest some websites, books, or courses that might help the candidate to enhance their professional skills and education. Encourage the candidate to stay positive and committed, as your feedback will undoubtedly aid them in their journey to find the right job for them.

By following these four tips, you’ll be able to craft a rejection email sample that respectfully and kindly delivers the message, while also giving the candidate something to take away from the experience.

Rejection Email after Interview: FAQs

What is a rejection email?

A rejection email is an email sent by the employer to inform a job candidate that they have not been selected for the job position they applied for.

Why do I receive a rejection email after the interview?

You receive a rejection email after the interview because the employer decided that you are not the best fit for the position. It could be due to several factors, including lack of experience, not meeting the job requirements, or not showcasing the necessary skills during the interview.

What should I do upon receiving a rejection email?

Upon receiving a rejection email, you should acknowledge it, thank the employer for their consideration, and ask for feedback on how you can improve your skills and qualifications in the future.

How long does it take to receive a rejection email after the interview?

The duration of receiving a rejection email after an interview may vary. In most cases, it takes 1-2 weeks for employers to make the final decision and send the notification emails to all the candidates.

Can I respond to a rejection email?

Yes, you can respond to a rejection email. It is considered a professional courtesy to thank the employer for their consideration and request feedback on how you can improve your performance in the future.

Is it appropriate to ask why I was rejected?

Yes, it is appropriate to ask why you were rejected. You may receive valuable feedback on areas to improve your skills and qualifications for future job opportunities.

What should I do if I receive a rejection email for my dream job?

If you receive a rejection email for your dream job, it is natural to feel disappointed. You should take some time to reflect on your performance and find ways to improve. Stay positive and continue to apply for other job opportunities that match your skills and interests.

Can I ask the employer to keep me in mind for future job opportunities?

Yes, it is appropriate to ask the employer to keep you in mind for future job opportunities. It shows your continued interest in the company and a desire to work there.

Should I respond to a rejection email if I do not want to work for the employer again?

Even if you do not want to work for the employer again, it is essential to maintain a professional relationship by acknowledging the rejection email and thanking them for their time and consideration.

Thanks for Reading, Keep Going!

Well, that’s it folks! I hope this article about a rejection email sample after interview helps you in some way, either as a guide or a source of motivation. Remember that rejection is part of the process, and it does not define you or your abilities. Keep practicing, keep applying and keep going! And don’t forget to visit our website again for more tips and resources. Thanks for reading and good luck!