© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
How to write a good rejection email?
I've been put in charge of hiring for a new position at my company, and it's the first time I've had to interview and reject people on my own. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should write in the email when I'm letting someone know they're not a match? I can't get specific, but I do want them to feel like I valued that they took the time to apply and and I want them to feel like they had a good experience even if they didn't get the job.
Maggie B
Business and Data Analysis Consultant
983
02/04/20 at 7:49PM UTC
FEEDBACK. Feedback is key. Job hunting is BRUTAL but people understand they're not going to get the first thing they apply to. It's important to tell them why. "your resume didn't fit what we needed" - "you're not a good culture fit" - "your desired pay is higher than we are able to match" - be as truthful as your role will allow. If you have other positions at the company that that person might be a good fit for, encourage them to apply!
Anonymous
01/30/20 at 8:51PM UTC
Thank them for their time interviewing and how you enjoyed (hopefully) meeting them. You can explain - if allowed - why they aren't a fit, but generally, make sure they understand they aren't moving forward with the process at this time, but they are welcome to apply for future opportunities. It doesn't have to be long, and I would discourage getting super friendly or apologetic about the decision. The decision isn't personal (or rarely is), so treat them respectfully and professionally.
Robin StoneWork with executive leadership team
601
01/30/20 at 7:50PM UTC
I typically respond with; thank you for your interest in XXX position. Although your resume and experience are strong, the ideal candidate had XXX, therefore they were selected.
If I really feel they have company potential and/or I am aware future openings may occur ; I may call them personally even if I end up leaving a message.
However, if there are MANY candidates I will resort back to initial response..
Hope this helps!
Anonymous
01/30/20 at 8PM UTC
I don't know if I would outline what the "ideal candidate" had, as it is alluding to the fact that they do not possess this quality. Some people may take this offensively as they might believe they do possess this quality or type of experience.
I would lean more toward "Thank you so much for your time. Our team had many positive things to say about speaking with you but at this time we have decided to go with another candidate. We will keep you in mind for other positions in the future" etc, etc......
That way you are expressing your gratitude for their time, that they are indeed a good candidate for a job but that it just wasn't the right fit for whatever reason.
Anonymous
03/18/20 at 12:10AM UTC
I don't find form letters helpful.
Anonymous
02/03/20 at 2:17AM UTC
Your so right! I've received the email of rejection and the second pain point was letting me know why the other person beat me out of the job. No, just go with thank you and if needed encourage them to apply for future positions
Crystal Rhinebergerprofessional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
2.29k
01/30/20 at 7:49PM UTC
Does your workplace have a template for this that you can personalize?
SFGirlBay Area Designer
103
01/30/20 at 7:05PM UTC
If you have the time a line or two about why they're not a good fit can be really helpful to a candidate.
User deleted comment on 01/30/20 at 6:59PM UTC
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.