- Should you respond to a job rejection message?
- How do you gracefully respond to a job rejection?
- What does a job rejection email response look like?
- Example of a job rejection email response
- Key takeaways
Receiving a job rejection email is never a good feeling. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, there are ways you can respond that allow you to still be a strong candidate for future positions. This article can teach you how to respond graciously to a job rejection.
It’s never fun to receive a job rejection email in your inbox. After getting your hopes up, it’s disappointing to not get the job. There are some smart ways to respond to a job rejection email that could benefit you in the future, however. In fact, responding the right way to a rejection email could mean a hiring manager will remember you the next time a job opportunity comes up at the company.
This guide will dive deeper into some of the ways you can respond graciously to a job rejection email. Here are a few of the things we will discuss:
Should you respond to a rejection message?
How do you gracefully respond to a job rejection?
How to respond to a job rejection email and ask for feedback?
What does a job rejection email response look like?
Should you respond to a job rejection message?
When you aren’t offered the position, it’s tempting to ignore the results and send no response at all. The short answer is: yes. Here are some of the reasons you should go ahead with your response.
The chosen applicant declines: It’s not uncommon for applicants to be offered a position and then decline the offer. If this happens in the role you have applied for, you may be in a position to be the next choice if you write a great job rejection email.
Or they quit quickly: Another instance where your job rejection email could benefit you is if the employee who is hired for the position quits soon after starting. The hiring manager could then turn to you thanks to your eye-catching job rejection email response.
Another possible position: It’s always possible that the company you are interested in has other positions available that you are a great fit for. A great job rejection email could spur a potential employer into considering you for another open position with the company.
Expert Tip
If you are offered the position later because the original employee quits, don’t be afraid to ask about the reasons for their departure. You may find that the job or work environment is not one you want to be part of.
How do you gracefully respond to a job rejection?
When you are responding to a job rejection email, there are certain things you will want to do as well as certain information to include so that you stand out for future opportunities.
Express your gratitude for the opportunity and for being considered for the position.
If you want to work in other roles with the company, make that clear in your rejection response email.
Don’t delay sending a response. This is especially helpful in instances where the applicant who is offered the position declines. You want to have your job rejection email response in the hiring manager’s inbox, so they have an alternative.
Don’t be afraid to ask why they chose another applicant over you.
Above all, keep your response professional, concise, and positive.
What does a job rejection email response look like?
When you aren’t chosen for a role, it’s only natural to wonder why. Perhaps another applicant has more experience or was more outgoing in their interview. The only way to find out why you were not selected is to ask for feedback when you respond to a job rejection email.
Here’s a look at some of the things you will want to do (and not do) when asking for feedback in your email.
- Be professional and polite in your response.
- Briefly express your disappointment in not being selected.
- Ask about other roles that may be similar to the one you applied for.
- Question the hiring process or come across as demanding.
- Respond with anger or be sloppy in your response.
- Close the door to future opportunities with the company.
Example of a job rejection email response
Now that you know how to respond and what to include in your job rejection email response, let’s take a look at an example of an email you might send.
Example Dear [Hiring Manager]: Thank you for informing me of your hiring decision. While I am disappointed in the results, I am happy that [Company Name] was able to find the perfect person for the [position name] role. I enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and am excited about the success the organization is sure to enjoy in the future. Should other positions become available in the organization for which my skills would be a great fit, I would love to chat about them. Also, if you have any feedback regarding areas of my job application that could be improved, I am receptive to recommendations. Again, thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [position role]. I look forward to speaking with you again soon. Sincerely, [Your Name] |
After you have sent your response to a job rejection email, try not to linger on the position you weren’t chosen for. Instead, move forward in your job search and begin looking for your next opportunity. Stay positive and plan to deal with any future dealings with the company that rejected you as they come up.
Key takeaways
Receiving a job rejection email is never fun, and it is all right to express your disappointment in your response to a job rejection email.
When sending an email, be grateful and professional and always leave the door open for further opportunities within the organization.
Asking for feedback in a job rejection email response can help you learn what things you did well in the job application and interview process and what things you could work
