Effective Rejection Email Templates for a Professional Candidate Experience

Job rejections are an inevitable part of the hiring process. It can be challenging for candidates to receive news that they were not selected for a job. Giving a rejection email that is professional and polite can significantly contribute to maintaining a positive candidate experience.

Types of Templates

There are various types of job rejection email templates that correspond to different stages of the hiring process. The three most common templates are: 

1. Post-application Job Rejection Email Template

This is sent to candidates who have applied for a position but didn’t make it to the next stage of the hiring process—sending this email as soon as possible shows respect for the candidate’s time and efforts. 

2. Post-screening Job Rejection Email Template

This email is intended for candidates who have undergone screening but were not chosen to proceed to the interview stage.

3. Post-interview Job Rejection Email Template

This is sent to candidates who have made it to the interview stage but were not selected for the position. It’s essential to provide feedback in this email to help the candidate improve for future job opportunities.

Examples of Job Rejection Email 

Job Rejection Email Example 1

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for submitting your application for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate your keen interest in our organization and the effort you put into your application.

After careful consideration of your application and many others, we regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with your candidacy. Our team has received numerous qualified applicants, and we are unable to move everyone forward in the process.

We want to inform you that we have carefully examined your application and appreciate the experience and skills you possess. We suggest keeping track of our website for potential job openings that suit your qualifications.

Thank you for considering [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest and wish you success in all your future endeavors. Thank you again for your time.

Sincerely, 

[Your Name]

Job Rejection Email Example 2

Dear [Candidate Name],

We appreciate your interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name], and thank you for submitting your application.

We have reviewed all applicants and have decided to proceed with another candidate whose skills and experience more closely align with our needs. We recognize the value of your application and the time you took to apply.

We urge you to persist in pursuing your career objectives, and we hope you have success in your job search. Kindly keep [Company Name] in mind for future prospects that may suit you better. Thank you again for considering [Company Name].

Sincerely, 

[Your Name]

Job Rejection Email Example 3

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for meeting with us and expressing interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate your insights and experiences shared during the interview.

Thank you for your interest in joining [Company Name]. After reviewing your application and those of other qualified candidates, we regret to inform you that we will not be proceeding with your application. The decision was based purely on the number of suitable candidates we received.

We want to acknowledge the value of your application, and we recognize the skills and experience you possess. We wish you the best of luck in your job search and encourage you to keep an eye on our website for future opportunities.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards, 

[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a candidate rejection email after an interview?

When writing a rejection email to a job candidate after an interview, it’s important to be timely and personalize the email. If possible, provide feedback in a professional manner and offer encouragement. Keep the email concise and proofread it carefully before sending it.

What are the benefits of a rejection email?

The benefits of a rejection email include the following:

• Maintaining a positive candidate experience.
• Building a positive employer brand.
• Encouraging candidates to apply for future opportunities.
• Providing constructive feedback.