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How to Reapply for a Job When You Have Been Rejected

Reasons to Reapply for a Job

When to reapply after being rejected, how to get your application noticed the second time around, target your resume and cover letter, what to write in your cover letter.

Should you reapply for a job  if you were rejected  the first time around and you see that the position is still posted or has been relisted? It depends, but in general, the worst that can happen is that you get rejected again.

Best-case scenario, you may have a better chance of getting accepted the second time around.

Applicants often wonder if it is a good idea to reapply for a job that they have already applied for in the past.

The short answer is that if you find the position to be very attractive, there is usually nothing to lose other than your time.

The following are good reasons that support your decision to reapply:

If you have enhanced your credentials.  Your chances of receiving serious consideration the second time around will be greater if considerable time has passed and/or if you have enhanced your credentials in some way since your first application.

If you were a strong candidate.  If you made it to the interview stage previously and were a finalist or received positive feedback, then you may be a strong enough candidate to receive an offer this time, especially if there is a less competitive pool of applicants to contend with.

The hiring manager may have changed.  Another reason to consider reapplying if time has passed is that the staff responsible for screening resumes may have changed, and the new screener(s) may have a different take on the viability of your credentials. You never know what’s going on behind the scenes.

The job description or applicant pool may have changed.  The applicant pool may have changed since you first applied. The employer might have refined their profile for the perfect candidate. For a variety of reasons, you may have a better chance of getting selected this time.

Your application may have fallen through the cracks.  It’s also possible that you don’t even know for sure that you were rejected; you only know that you weren’t selected.

Many employers don't bother sending rejection letters. If that is the case for you, don’t assume that your application was actively rejected.

It’s possible that your resume and cover letter failed to make it through the applicant tracking system. In that case, the problem isn’t with your candidature but rather with your application materials—an easier fix than acquiring a new certification or adding years of experience.

Typically, it doesn't make sense to reapply until at least a few months have passed since your initial application unless you have gained additional credentials that would better qualify you for the job. If you have new skills or experiences, it can make sense to apply sooner.

However, some companies have policies that require rejected candidates to wait for a certain period of time before reapplying.

If you were rejected the first time you applied for a job, it’s important to take special care the next time you apply. It’s important to rewrite your cover letter and tweak your resume to ensure the company knows you’re a good fit for the position.

Most large, and many smaller, employers use  applicant tracking systems  (ATS) to screen applicants. These software programs manage the recruiting process automatically, receiving and sorting resumes and helping hiring managers and HR representatives sift through them for quality candidates.

The advantage from the employer’s perspective is clear: an ATS saves time that they would otherwise have to invest in having humans comb through piles of resumes. However, it can be a real problem for a job seeker if they don’t know how to write their resumes to appeal to both humans and robots. If you keep applying to jobs online and never hear anything from a real, live person, you might be getting caught in the ATS net. It can happen even if you’re fully qualified. It all comes down to using the right  resume keywords .

Use the Right Keywords

Keywords describe the requirements for a particular job, including skills, certifications, educational qualifications, and other qualities that a hiring manager is targeting.

Take the time to  target your resume  and your cover letter, including keywords found in the job posting, and you will have a better chance of getting your application considered for the job.

Don’t be afraid to mention skills that seem obvious to you. For example, if the job listing specifies that the candidate should be familiar with Microsoft Office, you should include that or risk getting filtered out of contention.

Highlight Your Latest Accomplishments

Also, be sure to highlight in your cover letter any additional experiences, awards, accomplishments, or training that you have amassed since your last application.

Typically, you would refer to your prior application in your cover letter if you have previously interviewed for the position. You can mention why you were convinced that the employer and the job were an excellent fit as a result of that exposure and that you would appreciate the employer's consideration for the position.

If you didn't receive a rejection letter or weren't interviewed and considerable time has passed, you don't need to reference your previous application in your letter.

8 Tips for Writing a Compassionate Rejection Letter + samples

We know that writing a rejection letter can be stressful. That’s because while nobody likes being rejected, sending rejection letters to applicants that don’t make the final cut is an inevitable part of the hiring process.

Since rejection letters impact the candidate experience , employer branding , and long-term talent acquisition strategy , they’re pretty important. So, how do you craft a rejection in a way that’s considerate and doesn’t twist the knife any further?

Luckily, writing a rejection email is more about following a good recipe than whipping out creative writing skills .

In this article, we’ll cover:

What is a rejection letter?

• How to write a good rejection email
• Rejection letter samples you can use

So here’s how to write a rejection letter that feels more like building a relationship than burning a bridge.

What is a rejection letter?  

A rejection letter is a formal notification from an employer to a job candidate that they will not be progressing to the next stages of the selection process, usually in the form of an email.

The importance of the rejection letter 

While rejecting applicants or sending rejection letters is probably not your favorite part of your role (at least, we hope not!), they are important for a few reasons:

• Building relationships in your talent pool: A well-written rejection can demonstrate that you appreciate the candidate’s time and effort. And this can go a long way in building a relationship with them (and other potential candidates they chat with). Plus, it makes it more viable to retain their details in the  talent pool  for future endeavors.
• Improving your candidate experience and employer brand : A thoughtful rejection letter can also boost your employer brand. How? Applicants want to feel that your company appreciates their efforts, even if they didn’t get the job position. Then they’ll be more likely to recommend your company to other candidates (or re-apply at a later stage). If you can get the letter to them in good time, too, then you’re also supporting a good candidate experience.

• Give and receive feedback on your interview process: Provide applicants with valuable feedback on why they were unsuccessful for a particular role, and offer job-seeking advice on how they can improve. Plus, creating this gesture makes it easier to solicit feedback on the interview process from them.

Overall, rejection letters don’t need to mean the end of the relationship with that applicant (like a bad breakup!). A sincere rejection can even be an opportunity to build a relationship.

But how do you create meaningful rejection letters when you have a looming pile of candidates to communicate with? Rejection letter templates are one tool that can help.

So let’s see how to craft a clear rejection letter.

How to write a great rejection letter (+ rejection letter templates)

We know it can be difficult to treat each candidate as an individual — and a fellow human — after your 100th or 1000th letter! So, here are a few tips (and rejection letter samples)to help personalize, automate, and reduce the stress of the process.

Tip! Keep the subject line short and simple, and try one of these popular formats:

• Your application with [company name]
• [Job title] – Your application
• Interview feedback for [candidate name]

1. Get straight to the point

Your candidate is already expecting an email from you about their application for the position. So, get straight to the point in the first paragraph. Don’t make them read five paragraphs before you get to the crux of the email. And, when you do get to the point, it’s important to communicate in a compassionate way.

Dear [Candidate],

We appreciate your interest in [company name] and the [position] role. After careful consideration, we’ve decided not to take your application through to the next stage.

Though we were impressed with your [Skills/Experience], we have selected another candidate who better matches the skills and experience we are looking for with this position.

Thank you for the time and effort you’ve put into your application. We wish you success in your job search.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

2. Give them feedback

Many companies don’t provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants to prevent possible litigation. However, even a little (positive) feedback can go a long way.

For those who want to go the extra mile, inform the applicant why they weren’t a good fit for the particular position or job description . Most applicants will appreciate the positive feedback so they know what areas of their knowledge, education qualifications, or experience to work on.

Thank you for your taking the time to apply for the [job title] role at [company]. Your application was unfortunately unsuccessful.

While we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate, it was not an easy decision. Your [x] years’ experience in [industry/department] and particular skills in [job function] are definitely impressive. But for this role, it is also crucial that the candidate has in-depth knowledge of [area of specialty/software tool].

With that in mind, we’d hate to lose touch with you, as there may be a future role that matches all the great things you have to offer. May we retain your details in our database?

In the meantime, we wish you all the best in your job search and success on your career journey.

Bonus tip: Avoid Criticism

Avoid being critical with your candidate feedback, as this will probably create a negative impression, a bad candidate experience, and ultimately harm your employer brand.

While the above rejection letter template is a good example of positive, constructive feedback , here’s an example of what a critical tone looks like:

Your poor communication skills and lack of relevant scenario examples during the interview were major red flags for us. It is essential for a [Position] to be able to effectively communicate and provide examples of their experience and skills.

3. Write different rejection letters for each stage in the hiring process

You wouldn’t break up with someone you’ve dated for two months the same way as a partner of five years. The same applies here. There should be a different rejection letter template for every stage of the hiring funnel.

Tip : The further along the candidate is in the process, the more personalized and detailed the letter should be.

The level of detail in the core message should increase depending on how far the candidate has made it in the process, such as after the initial phone screen or pre-employment skills assessment , after a manager interview, and after a homework assignment .

Let’s take a look at some more rejection letter samples:

After a screening skills test

Thank you for your taking the time to apply for the [position] role at [company]. Your application was unfortunately unsuccessful.

We wish you luck with your job search.

Post phone screen or interview

Thank you, [candidate name], for taking the time to meet with [manager name] and share more information about your [job title] skills and experience. Unfortunately, we will not be taking your application to the next round.

While we appreciate your efforts, we have decided to move forward with another candidate that has more experience in [skill/software] for this position.

We wish you the best of luck with your job search.

After a homework assignment

Great job with your homework assignment , [candidate name]. We can see that your [role/task] skills are really well-honed. You know your stuff!

And while you do have what it takes for this type of position, we have chosen to go with another candidate. It was not an easy decision, but we felt they were a better fit due to their particular proficiency in [skill] and their [another point tied to the job spec]. Unfortunately, your application will not be taken further.

However, we’d hate to lose touch with you, as there may be a future position that matches your fantastic skill set. May we retain your details in our database?

In the meantime, we wish you all the best in your job search and success on your career journey. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

4. Let the candidate know that more positions will open in the future

A candidate may have been unsuccessful with a specific role, but if they’re really good, you want to keep their personal details for future opportunities.

This part of the email could be something along these lines:

We appreciate your time and efforts and see your skills shining through. So we’d hate to lose touch with you. May we retain your details in our database for future opportunities that match your skill set?

5. Wish them good luck

Always include this part. It’s just good manners (and the candidate will definitely notice if it’s not there ), and an essential part of the candidate experience for any potential employer.

Forbes says it like it is:

Job applicants who do not receive a job offer are 80% more likely to apply again if they already had a positive impression of the hiring organization. Forbes | Source

6. Send it as soon as possible

If you’re sending a rejection letter, send it as soon as possible. This way, you’re saving time and respecting everyones’ efforts in the process. Candidates want to know asap whether they’ve got the position or not, so they can move on with their job search.

According to research :

• 44% of candidates get feedback from the employer within a few weeks of applying
• while 37% of candidates get it within one week
• and just 4% of candidates get it the same day

Since the average recruitment process often takes way longer than human resources or job-seekers would like, speeding up your response time can give you a BIG advantage over the competition in terms of candidate experience.

Tip : Skills assessments can help employers automate the screening process and provide instant feedback to candidates!

7. Personalize your letter

After spending an hour or more on a job application, candidates want to know their efforts and time are valued. You can do that by personalizing your communication to unsuccessful applicants. At a minimum, include their name and the job title they applied for. And the further down the hiring process they get, the more personalized the letter.

8. Thank the candidate

At the very beginning, make sure to thank the applicant for applying at your company. After all, they’re spending their valuable time and energy applying for your job opening and trying to make a good impression in an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions about Applicant Rejection Emails

If that didn’t answer all your niggling questions about how to write a rejection email, we should have it covered in this Q&A.

A rejection letter is a communication, usually an email, informing an applicant that their job application has not been successful.

Should I write a rejection letter to every candidate?

Yes. Automate this process as much as possible using a rejection email template. Early-stage candidates can receive a less detailed email, while shortlisted candidates who attended an interview deserve more feedback and personalization (and well wishes for future career endeavors).

How to close a rejection email?

Here are a few ways to end the email.

• “Thank you for applying to join the [company] team. We appreciate the time and effort you’ve invested in the application process.”
• “Though we get that this may be disappointing news, we hope you continue your job search and wish you good luck in your career path.”
• “While we will not be moving forward with your application for [position], we hope you continue to apply for other positions. Thanks for all the time and energy you’ve put into your application, and we wish you the best going forward with your career.”
• “Thank you for your application. While we will be moving forward with other candidates, we wish you good luck in your job search.”

What are some of the most important things to keep in mind while drafting a rejection letter to a job applicant?

• Include their name and the job title
• Get to the point quickly
• Don’t criticize the applicant
• Use different templates for the different hiring stages
• Ask permission to keep them in your talent database for future positions
• Stay clear of fake feedback — better nothing than made-up or copy-and-paste reasons
• Ask for feedback on your recruitment process, especially for post-interview rejection

Should we send a rejection email to internal candidates?

Yes, but an internal candidate rejection will be a bit different than one for external candidates in these ways:

• Provide a more detailed explanation of the decision: they’re more familiar with the company’s needs, processes, and necessary qualifications.
• Share detailed, open feedback: if they want to grow in the company, open feedback and detailing their next steps will help them better plan any internal mobility moves and general career growth.
• Strike the right tone: you need to be professional but bear in mind that you already have a relationship with the person.

How can a bad rejection email backfire on the employer?

A badly written rejection email can affect your company negatively in ways such as:

• Creating a bad rep as a company
• Possible legal consequences if the content is viewed as discriminatory or inappropriate
• Damage the relationship between the candidate and the employer
• Negative impact on current employee morale if they learn about the situation

The last word on rejection letters

Remember, however well-crafted, a rejection letter is still a rejection. And nobody likes to be rejected.

Take these helpful tips to heart so you can communicate to unsuccessful applicants in a way that is caring and practical. That way, you’ll be building better relationships, growing your candidate pool , and maintaining a positive employer brand for your company.

And don’t forget that you can automate the time-consuming parts of talent acquisition with skills assessments , so your team has more time to communicate from human to human.

Try Toggl Hire’s all-in-one skills assessment platform today!

Juste loves investigating through writing. A copywriter by trade, she spent the last ten years in startups, telling stories and building marketing teams. She works at Toggl Hire and writes about how businesses can recruit really great people.

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How to write a rejection letter (with template and example)

7 min read · Updated on July 21, 2023

Let job seekers down gently with the professional approach to rejection

“Rejection doesn't mean you aren't good enough; it means the other person failed to notice what you have to offer.” So said American writer, Mark Amend.

While this might be true in other walks of life, in an interview scenario it means you didn't project your  key strengths  forcefully enough to secure the position you required.

It's never easy telling someone they're not wanted. And it's never easy being told you're not wanted. Whichever side you're coming from, it's a necessity in the recruitment process. You can't give everyone a job!

But what's the best way to go about it?

How to write a rejection letter

A stony silence from recruiters or employers is probably more painful for jobseekers than a rejection letter, especially when they've put their heart and soul into the interview. At least with a job applicant  rejection letter, they know where they stand and can move on to apply for other roles.

It's also important to keep candidates on your good side. Remember that you meet colleagues climbing up the career ladder as well as coming down!

As with any correspondence from your company or business, a rejection letter should be thoughtful, professional, and articulate. After all, it's a reflection of your organisation and therefore should present your high standards in the best possible way. That means rejection letters should be thoroughly checked and proofread for any errors before being sent out.

Below are some hints to take on board when compiling a rejection letter.

While no one relishes being rejected, it's vital to tell candidates as soon as you can that their application has been unsuccessful. This shows that you respect their time and effort in attending an interview and showing an interest in your company.

There's no need to go into a long spiel within the rejection letter itself. While you can take a sentence or two to provide some feedback, it's generally better to keep the letter to just a few paragraphs, such as in the example below.

Be forthright

Let candidates know they haven't made it any further in the recruitment process early on in the rejection letter. That way they don't have to spend time reading through the entire epistle before finding out right at the end that they've been unsuccessful.

Be positive

If possible, maintain a positive tone, explaining why you liked their application or any positives that came out of their interview. This can lift spirits, despite the bad news, and might mean they don't become too despondent as they move on.

Be aware of internal candidates

For internal positions, you might have to send a rejection letter to those you already work with, or have dealings with, in an organisation. Focus on giving more detailed reasons as to why they didn't succeed this time. Maybe organise a meeting where you can discuss what happened in more detail, but at the same time ensure that they're still happy in their current position.

The importance of writing a rejection letter

For closure.

If you tell applicants quickly that they haven't been successful this time in securing the job, they can move on and seek other roles without being left hanging.

For a positive company image

With many people relying on reviews online or checking out a  company's culture , it's worth taking that small amount of time and effort. By sending a polite rejection letter, the rejected candidate just might leave a positive note.

For the maintenance of continuing good relations

There are always going to be other roles available at your organisation. By being courteous, this leaves the door open for potential opportunities in the future.

What is a good example of a rejection letter?

Rejection letters can come in all shapes and sizes - from the one liner to a more in-depth review of a job application and - hopefully - some constructive feedback.

Follow the below steps when constructing a rejection letter, as well as checking out our example and template:

Thank the applicant

Start the rejection letter with thanking the applicant for taking the time to apply for the role. Not only does this give a positive image of your company, it also sends out the message that you appreciate what they did.

Example: “It was a pleasure meeting with you and I would like to thank you for taking the time to attend the interview / complete the tests / send in your application.”

Tell them why you're getting in touch

It's important to state straight off why you're writing to them, with a short statement telling them that they haven't been successful this time. You can be courteous by apologising, but make sure there's no ambiguity by clearly stating that this is where their journey comes to an end.

Example: “Unfortunately, in this instance, we have decided not to proceed any further with your application.”

Give a valid explanation

Giving an honest reason as to why you've chosen someone else over them can help in future job searches, as it points candidates towards something to build on or improve. While they're still being rejected, it gives them something to work with.

Example: “We interviewed a lot of candidates for the position of Sales Assistant and our chosen candidate had more experience in dealing with customers face-to-face.”

Offer a positive slant

Highlighting some good points from their application will hopefully encourage the job seeker to move forward in a positive way when they apply for other roles.

Example: “Your knowledge of the industry was excellent and you answered the strength and weaknesses questions to a very high standard.”

Keep the door open for future opportunities

Only include this if you think the candidate might fit well within the company in another role. This is a great way of keeping a working relationship going and also sends out a more positive message.

Example: “We would be keen to keep your details on file for any future roles, if that is of interest to you.”

Encourage them to apply for other roles

Again, this is only if you're sure the candidate you've rejected has assets that can be used in other areas of the business. This reassures the applicant that you're still interested in them as a professional, even though they didn't fit the spec of this particular job.

Example: “We would like to encourage you to apply for other roles in the business development department if they fit with your experience and skills.”

Close on a positive note

Make that last impression count by finishing off the rejection letter with a positive slant. The aim is to make the candidate feel good towards your company, even though they haven't been successful in this instance.

Example: “Again, thank you for considering the role at our company and we wish you the best of luck with your continuing job search.”

Rejection email or rejection letter?

If you've recently received a rejection letter, it's probably time to spruce up your CV and  interview techniques . Taking a look at TopCV's free CV review is certainly a good start. With clear and concise advice from the experts, you'll surely be on your way to job success very soon!

Recommended reading:

How to practice inspirational leadership (and its benefits)

Mastering the first impression: how to make a lasting impact in job interviews

Learning from CV failure: how to improve your CV and get hired

Related Articles:

Professional email salutations that work (with examples)

What is an employee evaluation and how do I conduct one?

Management styles: a guide for every leader

See how your CV stacks up.

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Writing a Rejection Letter (with Samples)

• Sarah Green Carmichael

A quick no is better than a long maybe.

I have a friend who appraises antiques — assigning a dollar value to the old Chinese vase your grandmother used for storing pencils, telling you how much those silver knickknacks from Aunt Fern are worth. He says the hardest part of his job, the part he dreads the most, is telling people that their treasure is worthless.

• Sarah Green Carmichael is a former executive editor at Harvard Business Review. skgreen

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JD enjoys teaching people how to use ZoomShift to save time spent on scheduling. He’s curious, likes learning new things everyday and playing the guitar (although it’s a work in progress).

• Jan 29, 2024

How To Write An Effective Job Rejection Letter (with Free Template)

Job hunting is far from easy these days.

For starters, many companies hire internally, which means you’ll never hear about some of the best open roles on the market. It’s also a highly competitive market where job postings will sometimes see hundreds of applications.

Naturally, more applications mean more rejection letters.

Or that’s the idea anyway. Many companies don’t bother to inform applicants that the position is no longer available. It’s hard enough not getting a role but left wondering is yet another setback job hunters have come to expect.

It doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, a rejection letter can enhance your brand and even inspire job seekers. One study surveyed rejection letter recipients and found that a customized, timely, and informal notification is not only agreeable and fair but encourages the applicant to apply again.

In effect, how you treat those you dismiss matters. It strengthens your brand image and creates goodwill that inspires a candidate to try again in the future since they felt a sense of value and respect.

So, how do you write an effective rejection letter? Let’s take a look:

What Is a Rejection Letter?

A rejection letter is a courtesy letter informing an applicant they were not chosen to fill an open position. Typically they’re generic in nature and customized only with the applicant’s name and the position title.

Sometimes they’ll include a few sentences explaining the circumstances or reasoning behind the decision and occasionally will offer advice to the applicant.

How to Write a Rejection Letter

The perception of writing a rejection letter is that they’re difficult because you’re letting someone down. In reality, you should feel good about choosing the best candidate for your role and for offering practical advice to the rest of the candidates so they can do better in the future.

Here are some key steps to writing an effective rejection letter:

1. It All Starts With the Interview

Asking key questions will make it easier to qualify applicants and offer advice. There’s a good chance that you’re interviewing several candidates , which makes taking notes during each interview an essential habit.

You can transcribe the entire thing if it helps your decision making process, or simply jot down bullet points about what you liked and didn’t like. These notes come in handy when offering up personal advice later in the letter.

2. Write Your Greeting

Express gratitude for their interest in your company and for taking the time to interview. It’s a small detail, but sometimes a little genuine appreciation goes a long way.

3. Share Your Decision

We went with another candidate and here’s why we chose them. It doesn’t need to be much more complicated than that, and it’s best to get it out of the way in the first couple of sentences.

4. Offer Advice

Everything up to this point is a formality. The advice you offer is where you set yourself and your company apart. One of the best ways to offer advice is in the form of a criticism sandwich, which simply means leading and ending with praise.

In action, you’d tell them up front all the things they did right in the interview . If they had great answers, thoughtful-questions, or radiating positivity, tell them to keep doing that.

After you’ve alleviated some tension with praise, you can more easily give them critical feedback. Provide some opportunities for improvement for next time and do so with tact. Sprinkle in some generic interview advice and feedback tailored to them.

5. Attempt to Inspire

Rejections are never easy, so find a way to soften the blow. Encourage them to apply again and reiterate one or two of the things that helped them stand out from the other applicants.

If it’s relevant, tell them a story of other candidates who applied multiple times before getting a role with the company. If they were a really strong candidate, consider telling them about upcoming needs and tell them you’ll be in touch.

6. Sign-off

Show gratitude once more and offer best wishes on their job search. Again, a little kindness and compassion will make a difference.

Rejection Letter Essentials

The details truly matter, and here are a few more to really dial in the proper tone and impression your rejection letter provides:

• Timing is key. Don’t send out rejection letters until the candidate chosen has accepted your offer. Ideally, wait until they’ve started to cover your bases. Plus, it’s helpful to the applicant if they know they should continue their job search.
• Authenticity is a requirement. An insincere rejection letter is sometimes worse than none at all. Ensure they walk away knowing there are no hard feelings, and hopefully, they’ll maintain a positive view of you and your company.
• Personal advice makes a big difference . Generic advice is commonplace. Strive to leave an impact on the candidate. They’ll not only learn and grow from your shared experience but often it will inspire them to apply again or refer friends and family.

Rejection letters are uncomfortable, but done correctly can spark motivation and be the best feedback a candidate gets all week. A little empathy, compassion, and practical advice can leave a lasting impact. One they’ll hopefully carry with them as they seek another role or gain the courage to apply with your company again.

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Sample Applicant Rejection Letter and How To Write One

January 3, 2022 | Recruiting Insights

An applicant rejection letter isn’t fun to send, but it’s an inherent part of the hiring process. In addition to being a kind thing to do for candidates, sending rejection letters helps preserve your company’s reputation and can actually be a boon to your future recruitment efforts. 

Writing applicant rejection letters, however, isn’t the easiest (or the most fun) task a hiring manager has on their plate. To help you, we’ve created a sample rejection letter you can borrow and adjust to suit your needs. But first, let’s cover some of the basics of why applicant rejection letters are necessary and a few best practices to follow when writing them.

Why Send An Applicant Rejection Letter?

First and foremost, it’s a professional courtesy. Searching for jobs can be stressful, and one of the worst parts of the process on the candidate’s side is being left in the dark about where they stand, whether it’s good or bad. 

Sending a rejection letter when you know you won’t be moving forward with a candidate is a small kindness that keeps them from waiting on pins and needles to hear back from you. Look at it as a trade-off: they invested the time to fill out an application, write a cover letter , and compile the required documents necessary to apply. You can return the favor by taking the time to send a rejection letter when they’re no longer in consideration for the position. 

Applicant rejection letters help you stay organized. When you have dozens or hundreds of candidates vying for a single position, it can be challenging to put order to them all. Sending a formal rejection is the last box you need to check before you can file away an application that doesn’t meet your criteria. This allows you to put your full focus on the candidates you do intend to proceed with. 

Though no one wants to hear they’ve been passed over for a position, rejection letters can actually be a positive thing from the candidate’s perspective. Your goal in building a strong employer brand should be to provide a positive experience through the entirety of the application process, and that includes the many people who don’t get a job with your company after applying. 

Rejection letters close the loop in a gracious way and end the interaction on a professional note, preserving your reputation. We’ve all heard a friend gripe about how they applied with such-and-such company and never even heard back (or maybe it’s happened to you!); rejection letters prevent such complaints and ensure that great candidates want to apply with you in the future.

Finally, rejection letters help build your talent pool. Huh?? Yep, you heard right. Just because a candidate wasn’t a fit for a particular role right now doesn’t mean they won’t be a great match for a different role later on, be it with a different skill set or after they’ve built up more experience. If it’s written correctly, a rejection letter doesn’t end the relationship with a candidate. Rather, it leaves the door open to build upon it in the future if the right timing and situation arise.

When To Send Candidates A Rejection Letter

So, when exactly do you need to send a candidate a rejection letter? Do you need to send a rejection letter to every single person who applies for a job, or just the finalists who aren’t ultimately selected?

You should send a rejection letter to any candidate who has applied, but won’t be receiving an interview. In many cases, you know right away when an applicant doesn’t fit the bill. Maybe they don’t have enough experience or their work history doesn’t quite line up with what you’re looking for. Let them know in a timely manner that you’ll be moving forward with other candidates. 

You should also send an applicant rejection letter to candidates who interviewed but won’t be receiving an offer. These are people with whom you’ve built a deeper connection than those who just sent in an application, so it’s even more important that you close out the process in a courteous manner with written correspondence (more on this below). 

Applicant Rejection Letter Tips

Keep it simple.

There are varying schools of thought on rejection letters. Some hiring managers firmly believe they’re a great opportunity to give candidates feedback (especially in those cases where it appears to be desperately needed). Generally, we’re not in this camp. Instead, we favor a short and sweet approach that tells candidates what they need to know and leaves the job of giving feedback to recruiters and other professional mentors. 

There are a few exceptions to this. With an internal candidate, for example, it might be more important to provide professional guidance that will help them advance within the company in the future. Or, if there’s a very green applicant who’s clearly nervous when interviewing, they might greatly appreciate some positive feedback coupled with gentle pointers to gain confidence.

Related: The Do’s and Don’ts of Communicating with Candidates

Provide a reason…

Humans crave closure. Job applicants are no different in this regard. You can help soften the blow of a rejection by giving them a little context on their elimination. For example:

‘We received a huge number of applications for the position and the candidate pool was very competitive. After careful consideration, another candidate has been selected.’

Related: How To Give Your Candidate Interview Feedback

…But don’t get too specific

You’ll notice the example above gives a general explanation without diving into too much detail about the interview process or the reasons for the choice. This not only keeps the task of sending rejection letters manageable–you don’t have to personalize them for every single candidate–but it also protects you from potential legal issues. Rejected candidates can and do win discrimination lawsuits against companies for all sorts of reasons. The fewer details you spill in your letter, the less material you give a disgruntled applicant who might decide to take legal action. 

Personalize letters for your top finalists

Form rejection letters are fine for early-stage candidates, especially for positions where you receive an avalanche of applications. For those select candidates who make it to the final stages, though, it’s best to personalize your rejection letter or better yet, make it a phone call. If you’ve built a good rapport with a candidate, this might be an exception where it makes sense to tell them a little more about why they weren’t the final pick, like if the chosen candidate had a highly relevant piece of experience or a specialized credential that put them above the rest of the pack. Again, it’s all about preserving the candidate relationship and protecting your employer brand. 

Use the tips above in conjunction with the sample rejection letter below to draft up a version that works for your company. 

Sample Applicant Rejection Letter

Dear CANDIDATE NAME, 

Thank you for applying for the JOB TITLE position. We appreciate your interest in working for COMPANY NAME and the time you took to apply with us. 

Though your qualifications are impressive, we’ve decided to move forward with a candidate whose experience is more aligned with the needs of this particular role. We’ll keep your resume in mind for upcoming positions that more closely match your skills and hope you’ll consider applying with us again in the future. 

Wishing you professional success,

HIRING MANAGER NAME

By using rejection letters to demonstrate respect and courtesy to all applicants–even those who aren’t ultimately selected–you’ll establish a great candidate experience that supports your exceptional employer brand. 

Related: How to Properly Rescind Job Offers

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About Pete Newsome

Pete Newsome is the President of 4 Corner Resources, the staffing and recruiting firm he founded in 2005. 4 Corner is a member of the American Staffing Association and TechServe Alliance, and the top-rated staffing company in Central Florida. Recent awards and recognition include being named to Forbes’ Best Recruiting Firms in America, The Seminole 100, and The Golden 100. Pete also founded ze ngig , to offer comprehensive career advice, tools, and resources for students and professionals. He hosts two podcasts, Hire Calling and Finding Career Zen, and is blazing new trails in recruitment marketing with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. C onnect with Pete on LinkedIn

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Find a Job You Really Want In

When you’re looking for potential candidates for an open job position, the inevitable downside is rejecting applicants who may not be qualified or fit for the job. Depending on your organization, you should consider sending rejection letters to those who do not qualify for the job.

Although it may not seem important, sending a rejection letter can positively reflect on you as an organization and help the candidate move on to continue their job search elsewhere.

The candidate you’re interviewing has gone through the trouble of applying for the job at hand, taking a phone screen, and sometimes an in-person interview. This can include preparation, anxiety, and time on the candidate’s end. So, even if they don’t land the job , they deserve closure on their experience with your company.

Your rejection letter should be straightforward and notify your applicant of their status following their interview. Below, we discuss the best practices of rejection letters and how to write one effectively with a template and example.

Key Takeaways:

Make sure you send the letter as soon as you decide the candidate is no longer being considered for the position.

Clearly state that you are no longer considering them for the position in the first couple sentences of the letter.

Offer positive feedback to help them improve on any weaknesses they had in the application or interview.

Why Send a Rejection Letter

How to write a rejection letter, rejection letter examples, rejection letter tips, types of rejection letters, providing feedback in the rejection letter.

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Rejections can be difficult to receive from the candidate’s perspective. Nobody likes being told no, and when it has to do with your skills or experience, the blow can be even more hurtful. However, not hearing anything at all is the worst possible experience a candidate can have with an organization.

Burning a bridge this way is easily avoidable with rejection letters. Rejection letters can be crafted individually, but many organizations opt to use a template. This is perfectly acceptable, as the intent of a rejection letter is really to let the candidate know they did not receive the job.

Remember, you never know who knows who. That person you decide to reject without a response could be the child or friend of a candidate you may be extremely interested in. This individual might have a wide reach on a digital platform or be connected to others in your industry who may look at your company differently based on this person’s experience.

That’s why it’s important to treat everyone you interview with respect, no matter the outcome of the interview. Being respectful to your candidates includes sending a rejection letter.

Create an informative subject line. If the rejection letter is being sent by email, writing a simple subject line can help it sound out in the candidate inbox. You won’t want this letter getting lost in their inbox so make sure to include your company name and the position title so they know where the email is coming from and the purpose of the email.

Thank the candidate for their time. The first paragraph of the letter start by thanking them for their time. Depending on the hiring process and where they are, they have taken time out of their busy schedule to meet with you. Thank them for submitting an application or for interviewing with you. Make sure to be specific to show that the letter is personalized and not generic.

Tell them you are no longer considering them for the position. The next part of the letter should clearly state that you are no longer considering them for the position and you are moving forward without them. This should be close to the beginning of the letter.

You can also offer a reason for why you are no longer considering them. This can help a candidate learn from any mistakes and improve for any future positions. Briefly describe what you are locking for in a candidate and what they were lacking such as experience or skills.

Offer positive feedback. To leave a good impression with the candidate, offer some positive feedback on what you liked about them. This can also give them a better understanding of their strengths and what they are able to highlight on for the future. This is important is you are considering them for any other positions in the future.

Encourage them to apply for more positions. By encouraging them to apply for other positions with the company can help build connections and a relationship with the candidate. They may not have been qualified for the position they applied for, but they may be right for another position.

You can also explain that you will consider them for any future opportunities. If you think that they will be a good fit for the company culture and environment, let them know that. This will also help keep the tone of the letter more positive.

Sign off. End the letter on a positive message thanking them again for their time and you can even wish them good luck in their efforts.

Below are a few rejection letter templates that you can use as a starting point for your rejection letter templates. You may choose to use different ones for different candidates, depending on how far along they may have been in the interviewing process.

Short and sweet is acceptable for phone-screen candidates, but for those who have come in for an in-person interview or multiple interviews, it’s best to try and tailor your rejection letter with constructive feedback.

Dear Sophia, Thank you so much for taking the time to interview with our team for the Marketing Manager position at Apple, Inc. It was a pleasure to learn more about your background, experience, and accomplishments. Unfortunately, at this time, we have not selected you for further consideration. Please know that the candidate pool at Apple, Inc. is always highly competitive, and we often must make choices between many highly qualified candidates. However, we would like to keep your resume on file for any future job openings that may suit your expertise. We are happy to answer any questions or give you further feedback regarding your application or interviews. Thank you for your interest in Apple, Inc., and best of luck in your job search. We know you have a bright future ahead of you. Regards, Leslie Stanton

Hi Chelsea, Thank you for your interest in Salesforce and the time you’ve spent applying and interviewing for the Digital Marketing Manager position. Unfortunately, we have decided to move forward with another candidate, but we wanted to thank you for allowing us to learn more about your background , experience, and accomplishments. We anticipate having more job openings in the next few months. We hope you’ll consider us again if you find another job opportunity you’re interested in. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors. Joshua Tree

Dear Mr. Glass, I want to personally thank you for your interest and commitment to the job opening at Lucky Middle School. Unfortunately, we have decided to select a different candidate at this time. While your education qualifications meet our criteria, we have chosen a candidate who has more hands-on experience. Please know we will keep your resume on file for future job openings and opportunities that you may be qualified for. After you have gained some additional education experience through student teaching or an additional position, we hope you will re-apply for the vice-principal position at Lucky Middle School. I truly thank you for your time, interest, and effort and wish you the best in all of your future career endeavors. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this email further, please give me a call at 505-346-000. Sincerely, Jenny Lopez, Superintendent

As mentioned above, many companies use a rejection letter template for their candidates who didn’t land the job. Using a template is an efficient and effective way of sending out rejection letters to your candidates. Consider personalizing each slightly and following these best practices.

Let candidates know as soon as possible. Many organizations will wait until they’ve found their dream candidate before letting other candidates know they haven’t landed the job. However, this isn’t necessarily the best way to approach this.

Typically you’ll have a good idea as to whether or not the person you’ve interviewed will be acceptable for the job. If you know the person isn’t the candidate you’re looking for, let them know as soon as you can.

If you have candidates in the running, it’s also okay to let them know they’re being considered in a smaller candidate pool. Giving candidates updates is the best way to make a great impression .

Personalize the rejection template. Templates are ideal for rejections because not only will they save time and effort, but they can ensure you cover all of the important points in the letter without needing to start fresh every single time.

However, companies should consider personalizing their letters with the candidate’s name, and any other feedback you feel may be relevant or helpful. Take accountability for the rejection rather than hiding behind the company name.

Any personal details you can add will help soften the blow and show the candidate that you truly did appreciate the time they gave to you and your company.

Get straight to the point. Rejection is hard enough as it is, so there’s no need to elaborate on the point. Make sure your template is short and sweet. One to two paragraphs should be able to include all of the important information. Let your candidate know they won’t be moving forward, and be sure to appreciate their time.

Be honest. Many times candidates will ask for the reasoning behind their rejection. However, if you’re honest off the bat, then you can minimize the number of times this happens. Coordinate with HR to understand what kind of feedback you can offer the candidate.

Taking the time to offer this will give a great impression on the company and you. Also, if you give them constructive feedback, they may be able to adjust to becoming more successful at their next interview.

Here are some reasons a rejection letter might be sent:

Internship rejection. This is for when an applicant isn’t a good fit for the internship . Some reasons could be mismatched time commitment or unrealistic compensations.

Unqualified candidate. This will be when the applicant or candidate is rejected because they lack the necessary qualifications that are required for the position.

Post-interview rejection. This letter will be sent after the interview if the candidate demonstrated poor communication skills, or left a negative impression during the interview.

Internal candidate rejection. This will be for an internal candidate who applied for a position within the company that they are not qualified for.

Late application. If an applicant applied too late to be considered for the position. They may be qualified but they missed the deadline. If the candidate is still interested, you may assist them with resubmission for a future position.

Mismatched applicant. The candidate may not be the right fit for the position they applied for, but they may be the right fit for another position.

Although it’s not expected, providing feedback can be invaluable to candidates who are anxious to improve their chances of getting a future job. Without feedback, it’s nearly impossible to improve your interview experiences or understand what additional qualifications you may need to land the job of your dreams .

Candidates deserve feedback, and by giving it, your company’s reputation could improve drastically.

So, what is the best way to provide candidate feedback? While you may want to soften the blow of criticism, it’s important not to dilute your words. However, you want to have a good balance of honesty and respect. The best way to provide valuable feedback to your candidates is to consider the following:

Be respectful. Even if your candidate was brash or showed up in an unprofessional outfit, you owe them respect. Rather than taking a dig at them directly, use simple suggestions to let them know what your reasoning was to go in a different direction.

Don’t dwell on the topic while providing this feedback; a simple mention should be enough to inform the applicant.

Be genuine. Feedback is never required, so offering feedback should come from a genuine place. If it’s coming from any other place, the candidate may be able to feel that and develop a sour view of your company. If you treat the candidate with respect, they will be more likely to recommend you to others or even leave a good Glassdoor review.

Focus on the job. Rather than focusing on unimportant details, try to tailor your feedback directly to the job or career this candidate is interested in. When it’s directly related to the job, it will benefit the candidate the most.

Be constructive and clear. Don’t be vague in your feedback. Candidates require actionable and constructive feedback that they can work on immediately. Being too vague in your feedback can leave the candidate feeling even more confused and possibly give them additional anxiety before their future interviews.

Provide examples, if possible. Be sure that you pick our specific details as to why they may not have answered a question adequately or what exactly they may be missing in their experience skill set. This will allow them to focus on key parts of their resume to be more likely to get a job in the future.

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

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What Is a Rejection Letter?

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• 7 Rejection Letter Samples to...

7 Rejection Letter Samples to Send to Unsuccessful Applicants

10 min read · Updated on December 08, 2023

Simplify the rejection notification process with these sample rejection letters

Whenever you hire a new employee, it almost always means that you selected them over other applicants. Obviously, the courteous thing to do is to let each of them know that you've decided not to offer them employment. But how should you notify them that they've been passed over for the position? For many companies, the answer is simple: send them a clear and professional rejection letter that confirms your decision. Unfortunately, writing those letters is not always the easiest thing to do.

In this post, we'll explain why rejection letters are important and offer some tips to help you craft your own rejection letter templates. We'll then provide seven sample employment rejection letters that you can customize to fit your company's needs.

Why send out a job rejection letter?

Obviously, sending out rejection letters to applicants does take up precious time, but there are good reasons why companies do this. First, a polite rejection notice is considered good etiquette, since it lets the candidate know that the job has been filled. That confirmation shows that you respect their time enough to help them avoid wasting it on a job that's no longer available. It also helps to avoid any candidate confusion by helping them to understand why they weren't selected for hire.

Companies that develop a habit of sending out formal rejection letters can also help themselves, by promoting their own commitment to respectful professionalism. This can leave a positive impact on the rejected candidate, as well as anyone else they might talk to about their job search experience.

Why use template rejection letters?

Template rejection letters can be a great way to save time and ensure a consistent approach to your communication with unsuccessful candidates. They can help you to provide uniform answers to explain why a candidate was rejected, as well as advice that you think may help the candidate as they continue their job search. Well-constructed rejection letters that offer helpful feedback to candidates can help to soften their disappointment, while providing useful information that can benefit their careers.

How to write your own employer rejection letters

So, how do you write a positive and helpful employment rejection letter? The following tips can help you to determine what to include in your template letters, and the best tone and method for addressing rejection in the clearest and most concise manner possible.

Don't delay the rejection. Once you've decided to move forward with a specific candidate, notify rejected applicants as soon as possible. Remember that they may also be pursuing other open positions, so you're doing them a favor by letting them know that your company's job has been filled.

You can send the rejection via email rather than by regular mail service. While a mailed letter might seem more formal, most candidates will appreciate receiving the news as soon as possible – and email is always quicker.

Keep your rejection letters short. No candidate wants to read through a lengthy explanation about why they didn't measure up to expectations. At the same time, though, your letter should include enough detail to ensure that you explain the decision.

Try to be as positive as possible. The rejection will be disappointing for the candidate, so there's no need to pile on with negative feedback or other criticism.

As a rule, keep your letter limited to no more than three short paragraphs. The first one can simply thank them for their interest and let them know that you've decided not to hire them. 

The second paragraph can include some positive affirmation, by focusing on anything that impressed you during their interview, and perhaps cite a reason why they've been rejected. If you might consider them for a different job in the future, tell them that too. 

Finally, your third paragraph should simply thank them again and wish them well in their efforts to land the right job in the future.

Seven rejection letter samples

Below, we've included seven example rejection letter templates that you can customize and send to unsuccessful applicants. This selection of templates covers a variety of different approaches for rejecting candidates, so you can choose one or several depending on your company's needs.

1.     Generic rejection letter template

Dear Mr / Ms [Applicant's name],

Thank you for submitting your application and resume for our [title of the position they applied for] position. We deeply appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us. However, after reviewing your application, we have decided not to move forward with your application.

As you probably know, we received a tremendous amount of interest in this position, so this was an extremely difficult decision for our hiring team. Unfortunately, we concluded that your impressive array of skills and achievements were not what we were looking for at this time.

We want to thank you again for your interest in working with us and wish you the best of success in your future career endeavors.

[Your name and company name]

2.     Application rejection letter template

Thank you for submitting your application. We appreciate your interest in a position as a [job title] in our company and the effort you invested in reaching out to us. Unfortunately, our review of the many applications and resumes we received in response to our job posting has moved us to select another candidate for the role.

We do want to commend you for your impressive skill set and accomplishments, and hope that you will consider a different role with us at some future point in time. We will keep your resume on file and may reach out to you if we have another opening for a job that better aligns with your unique talents.

Again, thank you for getting in touch with us and providing us with your resume and application. We wish you luck and much success in your job search efforts.

Warmest regards,

3.     Screening stage rejection letter template

Thank you for your resume and application submission and for participating in our initial screening process. Unfortunately, our screening suggests that you may not be the best fit for this position or our company at this time. As a result, we have decided to decline moving forward with our interview process.

We should note that your skills, experience, and other qualifications are very close to what we need for this position. However, our screening results found that [provide reason for rejection, such as failed background check, failed drug test, etc.]. Those results led us to focus on other candidates to fill this position.

Again, we applaud your credentials and wish you nothing but the best in your job search efforts. Thanks for reaching out to us and good luck throughout your career.

Best regards,

4.     Early-stage interview rejection letter template

We truly appreciate you taking the time to meet with our hiring team to interview for our open [title of the job] position. I speak for everyone on the team when I say that we were really impressed with your overall performance and believe that you have a lot to offer to any company that hires you. Regrettably, however, we have decided to decline moving forward in our interview process.

While your interview was solid and compelling, and your resume qualifications are close to what we were looking for, we have decided to hire another candidate whose skills more closely align with our needs for this position. Make no mistake, though – this was a difficult decision.

Since we were so impressed with your candidacy, we will keep your resume on file and contact you if any other opportunities arise in the future. Until then, we wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors and hope for your continued career success.

5.     Final stage interview rejection letter template

Thank you so much for your time and attention throughout our application and interview process. We appreciate the patience you extended to everyone on our team during all [number of interviews] of your meetings with us. Unfortunately, after reviewing the results of our assessments of every candidate for the position, we have decided not to offer you the role.

Everyone on our team agrees that your skills and experience are beyond question, so this decision is in no way a reflection on your qualifications. Our decision was based solely on an evaluation of every candidate's experience and how well we believe they might fit with the specific needs of that open position. Regrettably, that decision process led us to another candidate.

We would appreciate it if you would allow us to contact you if or when another position opens, that we believe might be a better fit for your core competencies. Again, we want to thank you for your commitment to the process and extend our best wishes for your future success.

With our best regards,

6.     Post-phone call rejection letter template

Dear Mr /Ms [Applicant's name],

This letter is to follow up on our recent phone call with you confirming that we will not be hiring you for the position of [name of position the applicant applied for]. I wanted to personally contact you and let you know how much we all appreciated having the opportunity to get to know you throughout our interview process.

Though you have already been notified of our decision in that brief call, I still want to take a few moments to say how impressed we were with your qualifications and interview skills. We all recognize the potential value our company could enjoy if you were a member of our team.

Thank you again for your interest in our company. We wish you luck in your career journey.

7.     Rejection letter template advising candidate to reapply in the future

Thank you so much for interviewing for our position as a [job title]. Your qualifications are impressive, which made our hiring decision extremely difficult. However, the team here have decided to offer the job to another candidate.

Still, we want to let you know that we recognize your talents and are confident that you would do well in a different role within our organisation, if you focused on developing [cite a skill that the candidate needs to enhance]. With those added skills , we would be eager to consider you for a different role in our company.

Thanks again for your dedication and interest in joining our firm. Good luck to you in your job search!

Simplify your efforts to follow-up with rejected candidates

It's never easy to craft a letter letting job candidates know that they've been rejected. Still, it's something that every company should do, so it's important to streamline the process as much as possible. By using some variation of these rejection letter templates, and customizing them to fit your unique needs, sending out these notifications can be quicker and easier than ever before.

Looking to avoid a job rejection letter by bolstering your resume? Get a free resume review from our experts today!

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Rejection Letter

A job rejection letter informs employees that they have not been chosen for a job. Rejection letters give them this information formally and respectfully so that they can continue their job search. They are also known as employment rejection letters or candidate rejection letters.

Make a good impression on the candidates you decline by sending them a rejection letter promptly. We’ve got templates below that will make it super fast and easy.

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Job Rejection Letter Template Download:

Download this job rejection letter template in Word, and customize for your own needs quickly.

Job Rejection Letter Sample:

Dear [name] ,

Thank you for taking the time to apply to [position they applied for] . We really appreciate the effort you put into this. We received and have reviewed [a specific number, or “a large number”] of applications.

After reviewing them thoroughly, we felt that other applicants were better suited for [position they applied for] . At this time, we are declining to move forward with your application.

Best of luck with your job search.

[Company/Organization Name]

The letters above are meant to be catch-all ones that can apply to any business and their style of declining employees. You'll notice that we don't say why the candidate was declined.

Instead, we often like to add the following paragraph to our letters as a way of leaving applicants with a more positive attitude toward our brand:

After reviewing them thoroughly, we settled on [name of selected candidate] for the role. [He/she] was ultimately chosen because [list at least 3 reasons the person was chosen] .

This way you're not focusing on the negative traits of the applicant, but still giving them a reason for your choice.

How to Write a Job Rejection Letter:

Follow our step by step guide to writing a polite, simple rejection letter.

Compose your first paragraph.

Thank the candidate for applying..

Start off your letter by thanking the candidate for applying to your company. Mention the job title that they applied for to make it clear what the letter is about.

• Give them the number of applications you received.

You can mention the specific number of applications you reviewed, or simply state that you reviewed "a large number of candidates."

Move on to the main purpose of your letter.

Tell the candidate that they were not sucessful..

State clearly that you are "declining to move forward with their application." Use the word "declined" rather than "rejected," which can be taken in a negative light.

• Consider giving reasons you choose the final candidate.

Providing the candidate with reasons why someone was chosen over them can give the candidate a positive impression of your company while subtly letting them know what they could improve upon in their experience or skills. Avoid directly giving reasons why a candidate was declined.

After receiving a rejection letter, a candidate may contact you to ask what they could work on for their next interview. In this case, provide the candidate with some helpful tips for improving their interview process and for building up their skills and experience.

Close your letter.

• Wish them luck on their search.

Leave the candidate with a positive experience by wishing them luck on the rest of their job search.

Job Rejection Email Template Download:

Download this rejection email template in Word, and customize for your own needs quickly.

Job Rejection Email Sample:

Subject line: Your Job Application to [Company/Organization Name]

Thank you for your application to [position they applied for] . Your time and effort are much appreciated.

We have received [a specific number, or “a large number”] of applications in response to this position. After a thorough review of all applicants, we regret to inform you that we will not be moving forward with your application. While we were impressed with your ["skills," "qualifications," "accomplishments"] , we felt that other applicants were better suited for [the position they applied for] .

We thank you for considering us a potential employer and wish you success in your job search.

What do you write in a rejection letter?

• Address candidate by full name.
• Thank candidate for the job application.
• List the number of applications you received.
• State clearly that you will not be hiring the candidate.
• Wish them luck on their job search.

How do you politely reject a candidate?

It's best to be concise and appreciative of their application. Be sure to thank the candidate for their application and consider giving reasons as to why you chose the final candidate. Avoid long explanations and giving reasons for why a candidate was declined. In addition, choose your words wisely. Even though you want to be clear, avoid using words such as 'rejected'.

How do you sign off a rejection letter?

Your tone should be courteous so that the candidate remembers your company for it's prompt and polite reputation. In addition, make sure you're prompt and thankful for their efforts. Sign off with your company's name and letterhead.

What do you write in a rejection letter after an interview?

• Thank candidates for applying.
• State clearly that you are "declining to move forward with their application."
• Avoid giving reasons why a candidate was declined.
• Use the word "declined" rather than "rejected."

How do you write a good rejection email?

Have a look at our rejection email example . Keep it simple. Start by thanking the candidate for applying, then let them know their application has been unsuccessful. End off by wishing them luck with future applications.

What do you put in the subject line of a rejection email?

Your subject line should be the candidate's name, the title of the position, and the company name.

What is a rejection letter?

A formal letter sent by a business or organization stating that someone has not been chosen for a job or course of study.

How do you reject an internal candidate?

• Do it in person, not over email.
• Be clear about your reasons.
• Ask about their professional goals.
• Find alternative opportunities for growth in the company.
• Check-in with them after a few days to show that you care.

Where can I find more letters for HR?

• Layoff letter .
• Job Offer Letter .
• Employment Verification Letter .
• Letter of Recommendation .
• Employee Termination Letter .
• New Employee Welcome Letter .
• Thank You Letter to Employees .
• Letters of Appreciation to Employees .

Related Articles:

How to ask for a letter of recommendation, how to train new employees, temporary layoff letter, resignation letter, two weeks' notice letter.

Write a Rejection Letter

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Note: Want to skip the guide and go straight to the free templates? No problem - scroll to the bottom. Also note: This is not legal advice.

Introduction

Writing a rejection letter is an important part of any recruitment process. They are legally required to protect businesses from any potential discrimination claims, help maintain a good reputation and save time and money. The Genie AI team understands the complexity of crafting an effective rejection letter, which is why we provide free templates for anyone needing guidance.

Rejection letters should be respectful and professional, focusing on the applicant’s accomplishments rather than their failure to gain a position. With this in mind, it’s important that employers provide clear explanations as to why someone has not been selected for a role - highlighting areas where they have performed well as well as offering encouragement for future endeavours. This helps create a positive experience for the applicant and demonstrates respect towards them.

In addition to this, providing rejection letters can also save businesses time and money in the long term. Without one, applicants may keep calling or emailing the business to seek further information on why they were not chosen - wasting both time and resources.

At Genie AI we appreciate how hard hiring decisions are but understand how essential they are too - which is why we created our open source library of legal templates designed specifically to provide support when writing rejection letters. Our community library enables people from all backgrounds access high-quality legal documents without having to pay costly lawyer fees - meaning that employers can ensure their hiring processes remain efficient and legal throughout.

In conclusion, though often difficult for both parties involved, writing effective rejection letters can help ensure employers stay on the right side of law whilst also maintaining respect towards candidates - promoting overall efficiency within organizations too! To find out more about how Genie AI can help with your recruitment process click ‘read more’ below or visit our template library today!

Definitions (feel free to skip)

Applicant: A person who has applied for a job or other opportunity. Relevant information: Information that is related to the applicant and their application. Brainstorm: To generate ideas and solutions by discussing them with a group of people. Draft: A rough version of something, usually a document or plan, which is then improved or edited. Edit: To review something to make sure it is accurate and free of mistakes. Maintain: To keep something in a certain state. Tone: The attitude or feeling conveyed in something, such as a letter or conversation. Encourage: To give support and confidence to someone. Explain: To make something clear and understandable. Offer: To provide something, such as advice or an opportunity. Thank: To express appreciation or gratitude.

Gather all of the applicant’s relevant information

Brainstorm possible reasons for the rejection, draft a letter that clearly outlines the reasons for the decision, edit the letter for grammar and spelling errors, explain why the applicant is being rejected in an understanding and respectful manner, maintain a professional tone throughout the letter, offer advice and guidance to the applicant in a supportive way, encourage the applicant to keep trying and not give up, provide a clear explanation of the decision, mention any potential opportunities that may become available in the future, thank the applicant for their time and effort, check the letter for accuracy and to ensure that no important details were left out, sign off in a polite and professional manner, send the letter to the applicant, get started.

• Obtain the applicant’s full name, address, and contact information
• Collect the documents associated with the applicant’s application, such as their resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation
• Collect any additional information relevant to the applicant, such as references, transcripts, and background check results

Once all of the above information has been collected, you can check this step off your list and move onto brainstorming possible reasons for the rejection.

• Review the applicant’s qualifications, experience and other relevant details
• Identify any areas of concern that led to the decision
• List out the reasons why the applicant was not accepted
• Consider the applicant’s experience, qualifications, and other relevant details and if they do not match the requirements of the job
• Consider if the applicant has any gaps in their experience or qualifications
• Consider if the applicant matches the company culture
• Consider if the applicant has any red flags in their background

When you have identified the reasons for the rejection and have a clear understanding of why the applicant was not accepted, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step.

• List out the reasons for the rejection in the body of the letter
• Think about the tone of the letter and ensure it is professional and polite
• Make sure to use clear and concise language for each reason
• Follow up with a formal closing that expresses sympathy for the recipient’s situation
• When you feel the letter is complete, you can move on to the next step.
• Read the letter aloud to yourself or another person to catch any errors you might have missed
• Use a spelling and grammar check software or online tool to double check your work
• Make sure to check proper nouns and any industry-specific words
• Once you have checked and corrected the spelling and grammar, you can move on to the next step in the guide.
• Be clear and concise in your explanation of why the applicant is being rejected
• Reassure the applicant that their skills were evaluated and considered
• Avoid using language that could be perceived as insensitive or hurtful
• Highlight any areas of particular strength that were impressive
• Offer to provide feedback and suggest resources for the applicant to consider
• End the letter on a positive note

When you can check this off your list and move onto the next step:

• Once you’ve written the explanation for why the applicant is being declined and checked for any errors, you can be sure that you have fulfilled this step and can move onto the next.
• Use a courteous and polite language, avoiding colloquialisms and slang
• Respect the applicant, even if you are rejecting them
• Use language that is concise, clear and appropriate
• Avoid making any personal remarks
• Make sure to focus on the facts and avoid any potential misinterpretations

Once you have ensured that the language you use is professional and appropriate, you can move on to the next step.

• Focus on the positives in the application and the applicant’s skills and experience
• Point out areas that the applicant can improve on in order to be successful in the future
• Provide resources or contacts the applicant may use to further their skills or career
• Encourage them to stay positive, and never to lose faith in themselves
• Offer to provide help in the future if the applicant needs it
• Let them know that you are available to discuss their application if they need more feedback

You can check this step off your list when you feel that you have provided enough advice and guidance to the applicant in a supportive way.

• Reassure the applicant that their effort and attempt was appreciated.
• Let the applicant know that rejection is a part of life and to not give up.
• Offer resources or information to help the applicant improve their chances in the future.

When you can check this off your list:

• When you have included words of encouragement and advice in the rejection letter.
• Clearly explain to the applicant why you have decided to reject them, being as specific as possible
• Make sure to be direct, but still maintain a professional and kind tone
• Avoid making any personal attacks or comments on the applicant’s skills or qualifications
• Reassure the applicant that they have been carefully considered and that the decision was not taken lightly
• When you have finished this step and feel confident that you have provided a clear explanation of the decision, move on to the next step.
• Include a sentence offering the applicant the chance to apply for any other suitable opening in the organization
• If you know of any future openings or potential opportunities, make sure to mention them
• If there are no current or upcoming opportunities, don’t make any promises
• When you have finished mentioning potential opportunities, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step.
• Express gratitude for their time and effort in applying to the position.
• Let the applicant know that their skills and qualifications were impressive, but the decision was made to select another candidate that better fits the position.
• Offer the applicant your best wishes for success in their future endeavors.
• Offer to provide a reference, if possible.

When you can check this off your list and move on to the next step:

• Once you have completed the thank you note and included any other relevant information, you can move on to the next step of checking the letter for accuracy and ensuring that no important details were left out.
• Read the letter carefully and make sure all of the information is accurate
• Double check that no important details have been left out
• Ensure the letter is free from any errors, typos or grammatical mistakes
• When you are confident that the letter is accurate and complete, you can move on to signing off in a polite and professional manner
• Begin the sign off with a polite salutation, such as ““Sincerely”” or ““Best regards””
• Include your name and title after the salutation
• Include a closing line such as “Thank you for your time and consideration""
• Sign the letter with your signature
• When you have completed the sign off, you can check this step off your list and move on to the next step.
• Print out a copy of the letter
• Address an envelope
• Include a stamp
• Handwrite the applicant’s address on the envelope
• Place the letter inside the envelope
• Seal the envelope
• Take the envelope to the post office or drop it in the mailbox
• You can check this off your list when you have successfully sent the letter off to the applicant.

Q: What are the differences between a rejection letter and a termination letter?

Asked by John on 12th January 2022. A: Generally speaking, a rejection letter is sent to someone who has applied for a job or a project, whereas a termination letter is sent to employees who have been fired or are leaving their place of employment. A rejection letter informs someone that their application was unsuccessful, while a termination letter informs an employee of their formal dismissal or resignation.

Q: What legal implications should I be aware of when writing a rejection letter?

Asked by Sarah on 14th February 2022. A: Depending on your jurisdiction and the type of job or project you are rejecting, there may be certain legal implications you need to consider when writing a rejection letter. It’s important to ensure that the language used in the letter is appropriate and not discriminatory in any way. In some countries, employers may also be required to provide detailed explanations as to why they are rejecting an applicant, so it’s important to be aware of any applicable laws in your jurisdiction.

Q: Are there any best practices I should follow when writing a rejection letter?

Asked by David on 25th March 2022. A: Yes, there are certain best practices you should follow when writing a rejection letter. It’s important to keep the tone polite and professional, even if you’re rejecting someone due to their lack of qualifications or experience. Make sure to thank the applicant for their time and effort, and offer them feedback if appropriate. You should also include an invitation for them to apply for future opportunities if applicable.

Q: Is it necessary to explain why I am rejecting an applicant?

Asked by Amanda on 5th April 2022. A: The answer to this question depends on the laws in your jurisdiction and the type of job or project you are rejecting the applicant for. In some countries, employers may be legally required to provide detailed explanations as to why they are rejecting an applicant. However, in other countries this may not be necessary, so it’s important to check your local laws before writing a rejection letter.

Q: How long should I wait before sending a rejection letter?

Asked by Daniel on 16th May 2022. A: Generally speaking, it’s best practice to send a rejection letter as soon as possible after an applicant has been unsuccessful. This allows them enough time to begin looking for other opportunities and ensures that they do not waste any more time waiting for an answer from you.

Q: How do I handle applicants who contact me after receiving my rejection letter?

Asked by Jennifer on 27th June 2022. A: If an applicant contacts you after receiving your rejection letter, it’s important to remain polite and professional in your response. Make sure to thank them again for their time and effort, and offer them feedback if appropriate. You should also encourage them to apply for future opportunities if applicable.

Q: What should I include in my rejection letter?

Asked by Michael on 8th July 2022. A: Generally speaking, your rejection letter should include an introduction thanking the applicant for their time and effort; an explanation as to why they were unsuccessful; an invitation for them to apply for future opportunities if appropriate; and your contact details in case they have any further questions or inquiries.

Q: Should I include details about my company when writing a rejection letter?

Asked by Emily on 19th August 2022. A: It’s not necessary to include details about your company when writing a rejection letter, although it can be beneficial if you want to make it clear that you appreciate their interest in joining your team and would like them to apply for future opportunities if appropriate.

Q: Is there any way I can soften the blow when delivering bad news?

Asked by Matthew on 30th September 2022. A: Yes, there are certain ways you can soften the blow when delivering bad news such as thanking the applicant again for their time and effort; offering feedback if appropriate; including an invitation for them to apply for future opportunities; and providing contact details in case they have any further questions or inquiries.

Q: Is it necessary to provide contact details in my rejection letter?

Asked by Ashley on 11th October 2022. A: Yes, it’s important to provide contact details in your rejection letter so that applicants can get in touch with you if they have any further questions or inquiries about their application or the decision itself. This demonstrates good customer service skills and shows that you value their interest in joining your team even if they weren’t successful this time around.

Q: Should I write my own message or use a template when writing my rejection letters?

Asked by Jessica on 22nd November 2022. A: It’s up to you whether you write your own message or use a template when writing your rejection letters – both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages so it’s important that you choose the one that best fits your needs and requirements. For example, using a template might save you time but may make your letters seem impersonal, whereas writing your own message might take longer but could help create more meaningful connections with applicants who might apply again in the future.

Q: Is there any way I can make my rejections letters stand out from other employers?

Asked by Joshua on 3rd December 2022 . A: Yes, there are certain ways you can make sure that your rejections letters stand out from other employers such as including additional information about your company; thanking applicants for taking the time out of their day; offering feedback where appropriate; providing contact information so that applicants can get in touch with any questions; and including an invitation for them to apply for future opportunities if applicable. By doing these things you show that you value each applicant regardless of whether they were successful this time around or not, which can help set yourself apart from other employers who might not take the same approach towards rejections letters

Example dispute

Suing an employer for discrimination after a rejection letter.

• Determine if the rejection letter violates any laws or regulations, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Gather evidence that the rejection letter was sent as a result of discrimination. This could be emails, documents or statements from the employer.
• File a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the relevant state or local human rights agency.
• Receive a right-to-sue letter from the agency and then file a lawsuit against the employer.
• Seek injunctive relief, such as reinstatement or promotion, as well as compensatory damages, such as back pay and emotional distress.
• Reach a settlement with the employer or go to trial.

Templates available (free to use)

Employer Rejection Letter Flexible Working Request Rejection Letter

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How to Write Professional Yet Kind Rejection Letters [4 Templates]

Published: April 28, 2022

It's never easy notifying someone that they didn’t get the job.

This often leads to generic emails, or worse, complete silence – that’s where a rejection letter template can come in handy.

While it’s never fun to do it, there are kind yet professional ways to reject an applicant that preserve your employer brand .

How to Write a Rejection Letter

You might not think twice about a rejection letter once you send it. But the truth is, your rejection letter is a reflection of your company. If it’s poorly written, that leaves a negative impression of your company that could easily spread to other candidates.

This is why writing a thoughtful rejection letter is key. It allows you to maintain a good relationship with the applicant, even if they were not a good fit for a particular role. Who knows, you may want to circle back to them if another position opens up.

When that comes up, you want a candidate to be excited about the prospect of working with you – and how you communicate plays a pivotal role in this.

It's critical you remain positive with your language and focus on language from the job description itself.

In addition, keep in mind that a rejection letter is a fantastic opportunity for the candidate to receive positive feedback and learn how to do better in the future. Consider how you can include specific and valuable feedback.

A rejection letter can be broken down into three sections:

Paragraph One

Your first paragraph should be completely personalized and include the applicant’s name and the position for which they applied. Next, thank the candidate for their interest in your company and for taking the time to interview.

Finally, it's critical you tell the candidate within the first paragraph you've decided to move forward with another candidate.

You can let them down kindly by including a compliment in the rejection, such as "While your qualifications are quite impressive …"

Paragraph Two (Optional)

The second paragraph is where the personalization really comes in. What you write will depend on your experience with the candidate and how far into the process they got.

For instance, if you’re rejecting a candidate after the first round, you can keep this section brief and jump to paragraph three. However, for a candidate who reached the final round, you’ll likely want to give more context to the reason for the rejection.

The candidate took time to prepare for your interview process, so if you were impressed by them during the interview, it could make a huge difference to let them know.

Simply include one strength of theirs you remembered from the interview process, like "Our team was particularly impressed with your writing skills."

To truly add value, you'll also want to include constructive feedback to help your candidate identify areas of improvement. Take detailed notes during the interview (or ask the hiring manager to do so) and when you reject your applicant, provide one or two areas of improvement.

Focus on one aspect of the job description you feel the candidate didn't quite match.

Say the role required expertise in data analytics, but the applicant wasn’t strong in this area. You might say, "At this time, we're looking for candidates with a deeper understanding of data analytics…"

If you were impressed by the candidate and genuinely feel they’d be a good fit for your company down the road, leave the door open by telling them you'll put them into your contact database and reconsider them in the future.

Additionally, if it was a difficult decision, tell your candidate – it can help soften the blow.

Paragraph Three

Conclude by wishing the candidate luck in their job search, and thanking the applicant again for considering your company.

Standard Rejection Letter

Dear [Name],

Thank you for interviewing for [position] on [date of interview] and taking the time to learn about our company. After careful consideration, we have selected another candidate for the position.

We do hope you’ll keep us in mind when we advertise roles in the future and encourage you to apply again.

We wish you the best of luck in your job search and thank you for your interest in our company.

Feedback Rejection Letter

Thank you for interviewing for [position] on [date of interview]. It was a very tough decision but we have selected another candidate for the position.

Our team was particularly impressed with your [skills], but we felt you lacked experience in [skill/experience]. We'd recommend [taking a course/obtaining a certificate/gaining project experience] to improve.

We would like to stay in touch with you for future opportunities that might be a good fit. Please let us know if you're interested in remaining in our talent pool.

Thanks again for taking the time to apply and come in to meet the team. We wish you the best of luck in your job search and thank you for your interest in our company.

Redirection Rejection Letter

Thank you for interviewing for [position] on [date of interview]. After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate.

Our team was particularly impressed with your [skills], but we felt you lacked experience in [skill]. However, we believe your skillset would align better with [position] and would love to consider you for it.

Please let us know if you would be interested in discussing it further.

We’d like to thank you again for your time and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Short Rejection Letter

We thank you for your interest in the company and we wish you the best of luck in your job search.

Notifying a candidate that they have been rejected is never easy. By writing a thoughtful letter fit for the situation, you leave the door open for future collaboration and leave a positive impression of your company.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in Oct. 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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How to Revise and Resubmit Rejected Manuscripts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Manuscript rejection can be hard, but it’s almost expected when you’re competing with thousands of other researchers trying to get their work published. While there are multiple options for researchers after manuscript rejection , most usually choose to prepare a revised manuscript and work to submit it either in the same or different journal. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and dejected, it’s essential to approach the revision and resubmission process with a constructive mindset. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you revise and resubmit a rejected manuscript.

Table of Contents

Analyze and understand the feedback received, develop a manuscript revision plan, revise the content in your manuscript, enhance writing for clarity and coherence, address any ethical or technical concerns, do a final reformat and proofread, provide a comprehensive response letter, highlight changes in the manuscript, create a compelling cover letter, submit your revised manuscript, be prepared for possible reiteration.

Carefully review feedback and critique shared by peer reviewers and journal editors explaining why your manuscript didn’t make the cut . Be sure to keep your emotions in check and view the feedback objectively to identify constructive suggestions for improvement. Understanding the exact reasons for manuscript rejection will help you take the appropriate remedial measures.

The second step is to organize the feedback into priority levels, categorizing them into major concerns, medium-level issues, and minor problems. This will give you a clear picture of the amount of changes needed and allow you to address major concerns first before moving on to the minor issues. It helps to create a checklist based on the feedback so you don’t miss out on anything and can ensure that each point of concern is systematically addressed.

This is an opportunity for you to enhance your work, so pay special attention to areas that need improvement. Refine your introduction and research questions to clearly convey the significance of your work. Clarify your research methods, enhance data presentation, and address any statistical concerns. Strengthen the discussion section by addressing reviewer questions and incorporating additional relevant literature.

Once you’ve incorporated all the changes in the content, review the text and make edits to correct language and grammar, spelling, punctuation, and any wordy or complex sentences. Ensure the manuscript is well organized and written in a consistent style to improve overall clarity, coherence and readability.

If the feedback from the reviewers and editors raised any ethical or technical concerns, ensure that you take that into account. Resolve any technical problems such as formatting, referencing, or citation errors and do a check to ensure your revised manuscript complies with all the required ethical guidelines. Experts suggest seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors before finalizing the revised manuscript; this can help identify any issues that need to be addressed before resubmission.

One of the most important points is to ensure that your revised manuscript adheres to journal guidelines. If you plan to submit revised manuscripts to a new journal, your work may require substantial changes to align with the new journal’s formatting and submission guidelines. Do a final proofread to eliminate any grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies you may have overlooked.

It’s important to respond to feedback shared, so create a detailed response letter by acknowledging the suggestions for improvement received. Clearly outline how you have addressed each comment or concern raised by the reviewers or journal editors. If you choose not to implement a suggested change, provide a well-justified explanation in your response letter.

One of the most helpful things when resubmitting revised manuscripts is to highlight the changes made to allow for easy scan and checks by busy editors and reviewers. You can choose to use track changes in your word processing software to highlight revisions made to the manuscript based on the feedback shared and include a summary of major changes made in the response letter.

It’s important to have a cover letter when resubmitting your work after manuscript rejection. In the cover letter, succinctly communicate the significance of your work, mention the major revisions made in response to the feedback shared, and thank the reviewers and journal editors for the constructive suggestions and the opportunity to revise and enhance your work. These details can help convince the journal editor and reviewers that the revised manuscript is worth reconsidering.

Sometimes, journal editors provide you the option to revise and resubmit your manuscript, which means they are willing to re-consider your manuscript if you appropriately revise it based on reviewer comments. However, if the journal editor is not ready to reconsider your manuscript again, your next best option is to move on to submitting it to a new journal. In both cases, you will need to submit the revised manuscript through the journal’s submission system following their specific instructions. Ensure you submit all the required documents, including the revised manuscript, cover and response letters, and any other documents requested by the journal.

Despite submitting a revised manuscript, you need to recognize that there may be additional feedback in the review process. So keep your mind open to the possibility of future iterations and address additional revisions as needed to ensure your work is accepted for publication.

Approaching the revision and resubmission process methodically and professionally increases the likelihood of acceptance, whether you’re submitting to the same journal or a different one. Each round of revision brings your manuscript one step closer to publication. Revising and resubmitting a manuscript takes time and effort; by following these steps above, authors can increase their chances of acceptance and move closer to publication success.

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Related Reads:

What next after manuscript rejection 5 options for researchers.

• 5 Reasons for Rejection After Peer Review
• How to Write a Conclusion for Research Papers (with Examples)
• 7 Ways to Improve Your Academic Writing Process

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Job Applicant Gets Rejection Mail In 3 Minutes, Claims A Bot Taking The Decision

T hese days applying for jobs is often stressful and it can be more frustrating to receive immediate rejection. People apply with great care, preparing their CVs and cover letters and expecting their applications to be taken seriously. One applicant, in a recent set of events, claimed that their application was rejected just three minutes after sending the email.

Taking to Reddit, the frustrated candidate said he spent hours writing a cover letter for a job at National Grid, but the application was automatically rejected by a bot.

“Spent a few hours writing a cover letter to be automatically rejected by a bot. I love the current job market in the UK,” he wrote, sharing the two images of the emails from the company.

He further said that the first automated confirmation mail came with a timestamp of 10:37 AM that read, “We are reviewing the applications and will be in touch within the next 14 days.”

Another mail came within 3 minutes at 10:40 AM, saying, “Thank you for your application to the role…After careful consideration, we have decided that we will no longer be progressing your application any further on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in National Grid Careers.”

This incredibly fast rejection left people on social media in shock and angry and many of them claimed to have had a similar experience.

One user wrote, “Yeah, did this at a website for a local mine. Spent 35 minutes signing up and uploading my resume. The website did something weird and had to manually fix it. Then, hit submit and instantly got an email that said you are not a good fit. It was a forklift/operator job and I have 15+ years of experience. Was a little mad.”

“I work in HR and the past, I’ve also done recruiting…We had a rule that we only sent rejections after two weeks, never earlier and never on a Friday. It’s devastating to get rejected immediately,” another comment read.

With the recession looming over, it is becoming tough for the youth to find jobs. In such a situation, the question always remains, is getting rejected without proper scrutiny justified on their part?