What to Expect in a Job Rejection Letter or Email

It is easier to think of job rejection as just one aspect of the job search process rather than a rejection of skills, experience or talent. Candidates can use this positive outlook to fine-tune their job search strategy and increase their odds of landing a job that’s a perfect match.

Receiving a rejection letter after interviewing for a dream job is hard. Whether a personalized letter or a form job rejection email, it is never easy to learn the job is going to someone else. By turning the rejection into a positive, an applicant can learn how to fine-tune their job search.?

But what should a candidate expect from a job rejection letter after an interview? And what are some ways to learn and grow from the experience??

The Reality of Receiving a Job Rejection Letter

While it is disappointing to receive a job rejection letter or email, those actively engaged in a job search and sending out numerous resumes a week will likely receive more than one rejection.?

The reality is that a single job posting could attract hundreds of qualified candidates. Recruiters and hiring managers must whittle the pool of job applicants to a reasonable number. Identifying top job candidates frees up resources so employers can focus on those qualified for the position.?

The key is to use the experience of receiving a job rejection letter to become a better candidate.?

“Maintaining confidence and hope will help you to bounce back from rejections and use each experience to fine-tune your job search strategies,” Kareem Rogers, founder of HR Depot LLC, says.?

Reasons You May Receive a Job Rejection Letter After an Interview

Understanding the why behind a job rejection letter can help a searcher improve their strategy for applying for other jobs. Common reasons for receiving rejection letters include:

Unqualified

A candidate might lack the qualifications, experience or depth of knowledge the employer is seeking. It could also be that their skill set is simply a mismatch for the role. By determining any gaps in skills or experience, a candidate can work to address them and increase their odds of future success.

You May Be a Better Fit for Another Job

An applicant who isn’t well-suited to a particular role may be more qualified for another open position within the same company. A shrewd recruiter or hiring manager will acknowledge a quality applicant even if that person isn’t a good fit for the job.?

Negative Interview Experience

A candidate may receive a job rejection letter based on a negative interview. There are many reasons why an interview might not go well, including poor communication skills or a personality conflict.

What a Rejection Letter Includes

The intent of a job rejection letter after an interview is to communicate to candidates that they are no longer in the running for an open position. The rejection letter will typically include:

• The applicant’s name.
• The job title of the open position.
• The date of the application or the interview.
• The contact information of the hiring manager or recruiter.
• A brief reason for the rejection.
• An upbeat close encouraging an applicant to apply for other roles.

A job rejection letter is generally not intended to offer personal feedback on why an applicant didn’t receive a job offer or another interview. The letter’s purpose is to communicate that the candidate and the job were not a match.?

What to Do After Receiving a Rejection Letter

Receiving a job rejection letter or email is emotionally challenging. But it is important to respond to a job rejection letter and acknowledge the time the interviewer spent. But what else should go into the response? It should:?

• Strike a formal tone that demonstrates professionalism.
• Thank the interviewer for their time.
• Express disappointment but ask to be considered for future job openings.
• Ask for feedback.
• Use a professional and respectful close.

Do You Need to Reply to Rejection Letters?

By replying to a job rejection letter or email, a candidate shows interest in the company and future open positions. Taking the time to respond to a rejection letter might inspire a second look. It is also a good opportunity to ask to stay in touch with the recruiter or hiring manager. Connecting with recruiters and hiring managers on social media also offers the opportunity to receive alerts about other positions within the company that are a better fit.

Rejection Letter Response Template

• Address the person by name.
• In an introductory sentence, include the position applied for.
• Follow this sentence with two or three more sentences thanking the company contact for their time and consideration. Also, express disappointment in not moving forward in the application process.?
• In a separate paragraph, communicate a continued interest in the industry, the company or the unique job responsibilities this position presents. End the paragraph with a request for feedback on how to improve the chances of landing a job in this field.
• Close the letter by wishing the hiring manager or recruiter good luck finding the right candidate for the position.
• Close with a professional sign-off — like “best” or “thanks again” — and a signature.?

Moving Forward Past Rejection

Candidates should take the time to evaluate their interview performance and examine their resume and cover letter. They should ask themselves what they might do differently or include in their application.?

Rejection letters provide insights that can help evolve a job search strategy or better prepare for future interviews. Consider it practice so for when the ideal job comes along.

Top Takeaways

• Understand that receiving job rejection letters is a normal part of any job search, as many job postings attract hundreds of applicants.
• Using the rejection letter to fine-tune a job search strategy and interviewing skills can help a candidate land a job that’s a better fit.
• Responding to job rejection letters or emails can help a candidate keep their foot in the door with a company and stay up to date on future openings.
• Remaining positive and professional and asking for feedback can improve a candidate’s chances of landing a job.

(Reporting by NPD)