10 Sample Letters of Rejection After Candidate Interview

Explore our collection of professionally written rejection letters after an interview.

Employee-as-a-Service
Rejection letter

What is a Rejection Letter After Candidate Interview?

A Rejection Letter After Candidate Interview is a professional document sent by an employer to a job candidate who has not been selected for the position. It's a courteous way of informing the candidate about the decision, providing closure to the recruitment process. While it's not a pleasant task, sending a rejection letter is a crucial part of maintaining a company's reputation and ensuring a positive candidate experience. 

The letter should be respectful, clear, and concise, expressing gratitude for the candidate's time and effort. It's also beneficial to provide constructive feedback, if appropriate, to help the candidate in their future job search. Remember, today's rejected candidate could be tomorrow's perfect fit. Therefore, it's important to leave a positive impression even when delivering disappointing news.

Why is a Rejection Letter After Candidate Interview Important?

A Rejection Letter After Candidate Interview is not just a professional courtesy, but a vital part of the recruitment process. It provides closure for candidates, upholds the company's reputation, and ensures a positive candidate experience. Even though the news is disappointing, a well-crafted rejection letter can leave a positive impression, potentially turning today's rejected candidate into tomorrow's perfect fit. It's also an opportunity to provide constructive feedback, helping candidates in their future job search. Therefore, the importance of a thoughtful and respectful rejection letter cannot be overstated.

Best Practices for Writing a Rejection Letter

Writing a rejection letter after a candidate interview requires tact and professionalism. Here are some best practices: 

1) Be prompt - Don't leave candidates hanging. 

2) Be polite and respectful - Remember, it's disappointing news. 

3) Provide constructive feedback - Help candidates improve for future opportunities. 

4) Keep the door open - Today's rejected candidate could be tomorrow's perfect fit. 

01. Sample Standard Rejection Letter

Subject: Update on Your Application for [Job Title]

Dear [Candidate's Name],

I hope this message finds you well.

Thank you for taking the time to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. We appreciate the effort you put into the application process and the opportunity to learn more about your skills and experiences.

After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we have decided to move forward with another candidate who more closely matches the requirements and needs of the position at this time.

We were impressed with your qualifications and believe you have much to offer. While we cannot proceed with your application for this role, we encourage you to apply for future openings that align with your skills and interests.

Thank you once again for your interest in [Company Name]. We wish you the best of luck in your job search and future career endeavors.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Email Address]
[Company Phone Number]

02. Sample Rejection Letter with Encouragement for Future Applications

Subject: Thank You for Your Application - [Position] at [Company Name]

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview for the [Position] at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and the effort you invested in the application process.

After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate who we believe more closely matches the requirements of the role. This decision was not easy, as we were impressed by your qualifications and the professionalism you displayed throughout the interview process.

We want to encourage you to apply for future opportunities with us. Your skills and experiences are valuable, and we believe there could be a better fit for you within our company in the future. Please keep an eye on our careers page for new openings.

Thank you once again for your interest in [Company Name] and for the time you spent with us. We wish you the best of luck in your job search and future career endeavors.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]

03. Sample Letter of Rejection After Phone Interview

[Your Company Letterhead]

[Date]

[Candidate’s Name]
[Candidate’s Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Candidate’s Email Address]

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to participate in the phone interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in our company and the effort you put into the interview process.

After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we have decided to move forward with other candidates who more closely match our current needs for the position. This decision was not easy, as we were impressed by your qualifications and experience.

We encourage you to apply for future openings that align with your skills and career goals. We will keep your resume on file and contact you if a suitable position becomes available.

Thank you once again for your interest in [Company Name]. We wish you all the best in your job search and future career endeavors.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

04. Sample Rejection Letter After In-Person Interview

Subject Line

"Thank You for Interviewing with [Company Name]"

Email Body

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us for the [Position Title] role. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and the effort you put into the interview process.

After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate whose skills and experience more closely match the requirements of the position. This was not an easy decision, as we were impressed by your qualifications and the professional manner in which you presented yourself.

We want to thank you for the opportunity to learn more about you and your professional background. We were particularly impressed with [mention a positive aspect or specific skill of the candidate]. Your [skill/experience] will undoubtedly contribute to your success in your future endeavors.

We will keep your resume on file for future openings that may better align with your expertise. Please feel free to apply for any positions at [Company Name] that you feel match your skills and career goals.

Thank you once again for your interest in [Company Name], and we wish you all the best in your job search and future career.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]
[Company Website]

05. Sample Rejection Letter Template After Final Interview

Subject: Update on Your Application for [Job Title] Position at [Company Name]

Dear [Candidate's Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in our company and the effort you invested in the interview process.

After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we have decided to move forward with another candidate who more closely matches the specific requirements of the role at this time.

This was not an easy decision, as we were impressed with your qualifications and the professional manner in which you conducted yourself throughout the interview process. Your skills and experiences are indeed commendable, and we believe you have a lot to offer.

We encourage you to apply for future openings that align with your qualifications and career aspirations. We will keep your resume on file and may reach out if a suitable position becomes available.

Thank you again for your interest in [Company Name]. We wish you all the best in your job search and future professional endeavors.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]

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06. Sample Rejection Letter Template for Internal Candidates

Subject Line

"Your Application for [Job Title]"

Email Body

Dear [Candidate's Name],

Thank you for applying for the [Job Title] position and for your continued dedication to [Your Company Name]. We appreciate the effort and enthusiasm you have demonstrated throughout the selection process.

After careful consideration, we have decided to proceed with another candidate for this role. This decision was not easy, as we recognize your valuable contributions to our team and the unique strengths you bring to your current position.

We want to assure you that this decision does not reflect on your performance or potential within our organization. We encourage you to continue developing your skills and pursuing your career goals with us. Your professional growth is important to us, and we are committed to supporting you in finding new opportunities for advancement within [Your Company Name].

If you would like feedback on your application or discuss your career development, please do not hesitate to reach out to [Manager's Name] or [HR Representative's Name]. We are here to assist you in any way we can.

Thank you once again for your application and your ongoing commitment to our company. We look forward to seeing your continued success here at [Your Company Name].

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Contact Information]

07. Sample Rejection Letter with Constructive Feedback

[Your Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]

[Candidate's Name]
[Candidate's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Candidate's Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Your Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and the effort you put into the interview process.

After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate who more closely aligns with the skills and experience required for this role. This decision in no way reflects on your potential as a professional, and we were impressed by several aspects of your application.

We would like to provide some constructive feedback from your interview that may help you in future job searches:

  1. Skills Alignment: While your skills in [specific skill] are strong, the position required more experience in [another specific skill or area]. Gaining more experience in this area could enhance your candidacy for similar roles.
  2. Interview Presentation: Your answers were thorough, but focusing on providing more specific examples related to [specific job function or task] might help you better illustrate your capabilities.
  3. Industry Knowledge: Increasing your familiarity with [specific industry or company] trends and practices would make your application stand out even more.

We encourage you to continue applying for positions that match your skill set and interests, and we are confident that you will find a role that is an excellent fit for you. We will keep your resume on file and may consider you for future opportunities that align with your qualifications.

Thank you once again for your time and interest in [Your Company Name]. We wish you the best of luck in your job search and future career endeavors.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Company Name]
[Contact Information]

08. Sample Rejection Letter Due to Overqualification

Subject: Your Recent Interview with [Company Name]

Dear [Candidate's Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us and for your interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. We enjoyed learning about your extensive experience and accomplishments during the interview process.

After careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with your application for this role. While your qualifications are highly impressive, we believe that your extensive experience and skill set exceed the requirements for this particular position. Our concern is that the role may not provide the level of challenge and growth you are looking for at this stage in your career.

We are confident that you will find a role better suited to your expertise and professional goals. We will keep your resume on file for future opportunities that may align more closely with your background.

Thank you once again for your interest in [Company Name], and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]
[Company Website]

09. Sample Rejection Letter for Lack of Experience

Subject: Interview Follow-Up: [Position Title] Application

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview for the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in our company and the effort you put into the application and interview process.

After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we have decided to move forward with another candidate who more closely matches the requirements and experience level needed for this role.

While we were impressed with your skills and enthusiasm, we believe that your current level of experience does not fully align with the demands of the position. However, we recognize your potential and encourage you to apply for future opportunities at [Company Name] that may better suit your qualifications and career aspirations.

We sincerely thank you for your time and effort. We wish you all the best in your job search and future professional endeavors.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]

10. Sample Rejection Letter for Cultural Fit

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Your Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and the effort you put into the application and interview process.

After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with other candidates whose qualifications and experiences more closely align with the requirements and culture of our organization.

While your skills and accomplishments are impressive, we believe there is a better fit for you elsewhere. Finding a workplace where both your professional and personal values align is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success.

We genuinely enjoyed getting to know you and are confident that you will find a role that is a perfect match for your talents and career goals. We will keep your resume on file for future opportunities that may better suit your profile.

We wish you all the best in your job search and future endeavors. Thank you once again for your interest in [Your Company Name].

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Company Name]

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Frequently Asked Questions about Candidate Rejection

Find answers to common questions about candidate rejection, its importance, and how to do it politely and effectively.

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