A Guide to Crafting an Effective Rejection Email Template After Application

Have you ever received a rejection email template after submitting a job application? It can be frustrating to pour your heart and soul into crafting a perfect cover letter and resume, only to be met with a generic rejection message. But before you get too disheartened, there is something you can do about it. By using rejection email templates, you can save time and energy while still remaining professional and respectful to the company. And the good news is, you don’t have to write them from scratch. There are plenty of examples available online that you can use and customize as needed. So next time you receive a rejection email, don’t let it get you down. Arm yourself with a well-written and professional response – it just might make all the difference in your next job application.

The Best Structure for a Rejection Email Template After Application: A Guide

Rejection emails are never easy to write—as an employer or hiring manager, you know that they are an unfortunate but necessary part of the hiring process. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the candidate on the receiving end of these emails deserves compassion and respect. A well-structured and thoughtful rejection email can not only leave a positive impression on the candidate, but it can also help them to continue their job search with confidence. Here is a guide on how to structure a rejection email after an application:

1. Start Off on a Positive Note

At the very beginning of the email, acknowledge the applicant’s effort to apply and show appreciation for their interest in the position. Be specific about which role they applied for, and make an effort to personalize the introduction. This sets the tone for the email and shows that you recognize the candidate as an individual. For example:

Dear [Applicant’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to apply for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team.

2. Be Clear and Direct with the Rejection

It’s important to be transparent about the hiring process and communicate a clear message to the candidate. Avoid using vague or ambiguous language, and state clearly that the candidate will not be moving forward in the hiring process. For example:

After a careful review of all applications, we have decided to move forward with other candidates and will not be progressing your application for this particular position.

3. Share Your Appreciation for the Applicant

Rejection emails can be challenging for both the sender and receiver. Take a moment to extend your gratitude for the applicant’s efforts and thank them for taking the time to apply. This can help to soften the blow of the rejection and shows that you value the candidate as a person. For example:

We want to take the time to thank you for applying and appreciate the effort you put into your application. We wish you all the best in your job search and the next steps in your career.

4. Provide Constructive Feedback (If Applicable)

If the candidate requested feedback or you feel comfortable offering constructive criticism, this can be a valuable addition to the rejection email. Remember to phrase your feedback constructively and provide actionable steps for the applicant to improve. Avoid being overly critical and remain professional in your feedback. For example:

While we cannot offer you the position at this time, we would like to offer you some feedback on your application. Your experience and qualifications impressed us, but we feel that your responses to the interview questions could have been stronger and more focused. We recommend preparing specific examples and stories to showcase your skills in future interviews.

5. Leave the Door Open for Future Opportunities

Lastly, it can be helpful to mention that the rejection does not necessarily mean the end of the road with your company. This can help to maintain a positive relationship with the candidate and potentially keep them in mind for future roles. For example:

Although this specific role was not the best fit for you at this time, we encourage you to keep an eye on our open positions in the future. We will keep your application on file and would be happy to consider you for other roles that may be a better fit.

By following this structure, you can create a rejection email that is respectful, constructive, and compassionate. Keep in mind that while rejection emails are never easy to write, they can be an important aspect of maintaining a strong company culture and relationship with candidates.

Sample Rejection Email Templates

Thank you for applying

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for submitting your application for the [Position] role at our company. We appreciate your interest in our organization, as well as the time and effort you put into your application.

After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with other candidates who more closely match our current needs and requirements. We encourage you to continue exploring opportunities with our company and wish you the best of luck in your job search.

Once again, thank you for your interest in our organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Your Application Did Not Meet Our Requirements

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the [Position] role at our organization and for submitting your application. We appreciate your efforts in applying for this position and providing us with your qualifications and experience.

After careful review, we regret to inform you that your application did not meet the requirements for the role at this time. We encourage you to reapply after you have gained additional experience or qualifications that may be a better fit for future opportunities at our organization.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Thank you again for considering our organization as your potential employer.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Position Has Been Filled

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for applying to the [Position] role at our organization. We received numerous qualified applicants and appreciate the time and effort you put into your application.

After careful consideration, we have filled the position with another candidate who we believe best meets our current needs and requirements. We appreciate your interest in our organization, and we encourage you to consider us as your potential employer in the future.

Thank you again for taking the time to apply, we wish you the best of luck in your job search.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Experience or Qualifications Do Not Meet Our Requirements

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for applying for the [Position] role at our organization. We appreciate your efforts in submitting an application and providing us with your qualifications and background.

After careful review, we regret to inform you that we have decided not to move forward with your application at this time. We are looking for candidates who have more experience or qualifications that better match the requirements of the position.

Please continue building your professional experience, skills, and education to become eligible for future opportunities with our organization.

Thank you again for your interest. We appreciate your time and effort in applying to our organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Your Application Was Not Selected For An Interview

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for applying to the [Position] role at our organization. We appreciate your efforts in submitting an application and providing us with your qualifications and background.

After careful review, we regret to inform you that we have decided not to move forward with your application for an interview at this time. We encourage you to continue exploring opportunities with our organization and wish you the best of luck in your job search.

We appreciate your interest in our organization and thank you for considering us as your potential employer.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Application Incomplete

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for submitting your application for the [Position] role at our organization. We appreciate your interest in our company and the time you took to complete your application.

However, unfortunately, we are not able to move forward with your application at this time because the application is incomplete. Please make sure to fill out all the required fields in our application process to move your application forward for consideration.

If you have any questions regarding the application process or would like to make any revisions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Position Was Cancelled

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for applying to the [Position] role at our organization. We appreciate your time and effort into your application.

However, we regret to inform you that the position has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate your interest in our organization, and we encourage you to consider us as your potential employer in the future.

Thank you again for taking the time to apply, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Rejection Email Template After Application

Writing a rejection email template after an application is a delicate process. You want to communicate to the candidate that they did not meet the requirements but also provide them with constructive feedback for future job applications. Here are tips to help you craft a rejection email template.

Be empathetic: Start by empathizing with the candidate and thanking them for their interest in the position. Acknowledge that applying for jobs can be a time-consuming process and you appreciate the effort they put into their application. This helps the candidate feel valued and respected even if they were not selected.

Be specific: Provide the candidate with specific reasons for the rejection. Let them know which qualifications they did not meet or skills they were lacking. Be honest but tactful in your delivery. Remember, your feedback can help them improve themselves in future job applications.

Offer hope: Even though the candidate may not have been selected for this position, there may be future opportunities within your company. Inform the candidate to keep an eye out for job openings and encourage them to apply again in the future.

End on a positive note: Always end the email on a positive note. Thank the candidate again for applying and wishing them the best in their future job search. Leave the door open for future communication. You never know where a rejected candidate may end up in the future.

Personalization is key: Avoid sounding like a robot. Personalizing the email can help to establish a connection between you and the candidate. Use their name and highlight a part of their application that you found impressive. By taking the time to personalize the email, the candidate will feel that you took the time to review their application and notice their strengths.

By following these tips when crafting your rejection email template, you can provide candidates with a positive experience and increase your company’s reputation in the job market.

FAQs related to rejection email template after application


What is a rejection email?

A rejection email is a message sent by employers to applicants who are not selected for the position they applied for.

Why did I receive a rejection email?

You received a rejection email because you were not selected for the position.

What should I do after receiving a rejection email?

Use the feedback provided in the email to improve your application for future positions.

Is it common to receive a rejection email?

Yes, it’s common to receive a rejection email. Employers often receive more applications than they can accommodate.

Can I ask for feedback after receiving a rejection email?

Yes, you can ask for feedback on how you can improve your application for future opportunities.

Should I respond to a rejection email?

No, there is no need to respond to a rejection email. You can use the feedback provided to improve your application for future opportunities.

When will I receive a rejection email?

You will receive a rejection email once the employer has made a decision about who they will be selecting for the position.

What should I do if I receive a rejection email for my dream job?

Don’t be discouraged. Keep applying to other positions and use the feedback provided in the rejection email to improve your application for future opportunities.

How can I make sure I don’t receive a rejection email in the future?

Review the job requirements thoroughly and tailor your application to match them. Also, highlight your relevant skills and experience to show how you meet the job requirements

Sending Rejections with Style!

Hope this article has provided you with some valuable insights on crafting an effective rejection email template. Remember, it’s never easy to receive rejections but keeping a professional and empathetic tone can go a long way in making the process less painful for all parties involved. Thanks for stopping by, and feel free to check out our other articles on job hunting tips and tricks. Good luck with your job search!