Sending a rejection email to a potential candidate can be a difficult task, but it’s important to send it. At least, it allows the candidate to move on immediately. When writing this kind of email, approach it with professionalism and respect.
Sample 1: Rejection Email to a Potential Candidate
Start by expressing gratitude for the candidate’s time and interest in the position, such as “Thank you for taking the time to apply and share your qualifications with us.”
Suggested Subject: Thank you for your Application
Dear Tonia,
Thank you for applying for the position of Head of Sales at Industry Co. Although impressed by your experience, we’ve decided to go with another candidate for this position.
We want to thank you for taking the time and effort to apply to our company. Your resume and experience were impressive, but at this point, we have decided to go with another candidate.
While your application was not successful for this position, we encourage you to apply for future openings.
Sincerely,
Sam Davis
Sample 2: Rejection Email to a Potential Candidate
Be direct and clear about the decision to not move forward with the candidate.
Suggested Subject: Your application for [position]
Dear Arthur,
Thank you for applying for the graphics designer position at Design.co. This email is to inform you that you have not been selected for the interview.
While this may come as a disappointment to you, we’d like to thank you for taking out time to apply. We received a staggering amount of applications from candidates and we’re both honored and humbled by this.
You can connect with us on social media to learn about new opportunities. Thank you again for taking out time to apply for the position.
Warm Regards,
Eden James
Sample 3: Rejection Email to a Potential Candidate
Provide specific feedback on why the candidate was not selected. It’s okay if the candidate feels back, but it’s better to express your concerns.
Suggested Subject: Interview feedback for [position]
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for coming for the interview earlier this week. Your resume, experience, professionalism, and approach greatly impressed us, but we have decided to go with another candidate for this position.
We understand you may be disappointed to hear this news. Your interview was most enlightening, the team was very impressed by your attention to detail and concise presentation.
We’re currently looking to hire people with very strong traditional marketing backgrounds as our future campaigns are more in line. We’re confident that your skill and qualifications will help you secure a position.
Thank you for applying and coming in for the interview. Please reach out to us if you have further questions.
Regards,
Rowan Aize
Sample 4: Rejection Email to a Potential Candidate
Encourage the candidate to apply for future opportunities with the company.
Suggested Subject: Interview feedback for the customer service position
Hello Simon,
Thank you for making out time to meet us earlier this week for the interview. At this point, we will not be moving forward with your application.
The reason behind our decision is that we’re looking for candidates with experience working in tech companies. Our campaigns going forward are going to be centered on servicing more tech-based enterprises. Regardless, we were blown away by your skills and experience.
We’d like to stay in touch with you. You can follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter to learn about new opportunities.
Kind regards,
Jason Todd
Sample 5: Rejection Email to a Potential Candidate
Offer resources for the candidate to continue developing their skills and experience.
Suggested Subject: Thank you for your interest.
Hi Sharon,
Thank you very much for your interest in the operations manager position at Shared Digital Company. We appreciate you for honoring our invitation to interview for the position.
At this time, we will not be moving forward with your application. We have chosen to go with a candidate with more experience in the manufacturing industry. Nonetheless, we were very impressed with your experience and your industry know-how.
As a result, we hope you’ll apply for future openings.
Thank you again for your interest in working with us.
Sincerely,
Simon Mustafa