Once you receive a job rejection email, you may feel annoyed, puzzled or disappointed. You probably don’t want to reply, but simply delete it. It is important for you to know that in these cases, it is best to reply to this type of email.
The first thing you should do is to stay calm and think about it. A well-timed reply will be appreciated by the recruiter and could give you another chance. Therefore, read the email again and write a short and concise response to the points made by the recruiter. In this article, we will discuss the best tips on how to respond to a rejection email correctly.
Summary
- Respond politely, briefly and promptly, as this will show your competence and professionalism.
- Thank them for their time, for being considered for the interview, and for the opportunity to get to know the company.
- Mention your disappointment at not being selected for the position, as well as your willingness to apply for future interviews.
9 essential tips for responding to a job rejection email
Below, you will find suggestions to take into account when writing your response. These will be of great help to clear up any doubts. You will learn why it is convenient to do so. Take note!
1. Respond politely
It is suggested not to assume that you were rejected for lack of skills or something like that. Since you don’t know the reasons, be respectful when answering the points raised by the interviewer. Make a difference. Be polite.
2. Thank the recruiter
Thank the recruiter for inviting you to the interview, as well as for letting you know that you were not selected. Consider this gesture, since not all companies are kind enough to do so. Take advantage of this.
This will be well seen by the recruiter, and you could be taken into account in the future for that position or another similar one. Also, instead of waiting for the long-awaited call, think about what aspects you could improve and continue with your job search.
3. Mention the position you applied for
You may not be the only one who receives this job rejection email, but you may be the one who responds quickly, as this way, you show your interest in maintaining contact and your predisposition. Mention the position so that the interviewer remembers you and does not confuse you with other candidates.
Also, mention that you are disappointed that you are not the right candidate for the position. Check if the recruiter states the reasons why you were not selected. If not, ask if there is a chance to receive constructive criticism or if he/she has detected areas of opportunity that you should focus on to improve.
Also, let them know that they will be useful for your next job search. By doing this, you will show your commitment and your desire to improve yourself.
4. Write a brief response
Write a brief response in a timely manner. Be sure to put your name and title in the subject line. This allows the interviewer to quickly locate your email if a vacancy opens up for the same or a similar position.
In the body of the email include:
- polite greeting
- gratitude
- time
- call for proposals
- possibility of getting to know the company
- disappointment
- availability for future calls for proposals.
At the bottom of the email, insert a signature box containing your full name, position, phone, email, and LinkedIn profile.
5. Turn it into an opportunity, and address it as a professional
Keep in mind that there can be several scenarios. Such as a hired worker turning down the job offer, working for a short period of time and leaving the position, or a similar position that matches your profile opens up.
Therefore, you mention that you are disappointed not to be accepted for the position. And you will probably be one of the few people who respond to this kind of mail. This will speak well of you, as it will reflect that you are a polite person, who is interested in being part of the team.
6. Show who you are, establish contacts
Answer the mail, reveal your commitment and professionalism, your communication skills, social qualities and personality traits. This is why it is recommended to use appropriate and relevant language. Distinguish yourself from others.
You may also have had the joy or good fortune to meet other colleagues while waiting to be interviewed. Take advantage of these situations in future interviews, exchange your contact information and share your LinkedIn profile. Connect with those people.
7. Show interest in future interviews
The email can be filed as a potential candidate in case another candidate fails to make it through the testing stage, doesn’t show up, or changes jobs. Let them know that you will keep an eye out for upcoming openings. Stand out.
8. Evaluate your CV and cover letter
Check if your CV and cover letter need updates or improvements. Therefore, if you don’t have the opportunity to receive suggestions from the recruiter, take a close look at them and ask your friends for help. They may spot a detail you overlooked. Correct it if necessary.
Check whether each element of the CV and cover letter is appropriate. They are no longer than one page, the writing is correct, there are no spelling mistakes, the information is up-to-date and everything is in order.
9. Sample response
When writing, address the interviewer, greet him/her politely and put your name and position in the subject line.
Dear [interviewer’s name]
Option 1. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be called for an interview for the position of [insert job title]
Option 2. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet with you for the interview for the [insert job title] position.
Thank you very much for your time and attention. It was a pleasure to learn about how the company operates.
I am disappointed that I was not chosen to fill the position. However, I want you to know that I am available for future interviews.
That’s all for now. Yours sincerely,
[Signature box]
Full name
Position
Contact telephone numbers
E-mail address
You can use this example as a template and adapt it according to your profile. Make the necessary modifications and gain an advantage over other candidates.
What happens after you send the response to the rejection email?
Once you have understood the importance of a prompt, well-written response, move on, knowing that you have reacted in a timely and appropriate manner. You will leave a good impression.
Prepare for the next interview, take it as a learning experience to improve yourself and get the job you want. Keep going!
Apply for other job openings
That’s right, put yourself to the test! Regain your self-confidence and move on. Keep looking, and send your CV. Because, if you can improve by getting feedback from the recruiter, you’ll be able to prove yourself in the next interviews. Apply what you learned and excel.
Conclusion
Responding to a job rejection email is the smart thing to do. Act quickly, reply politely and in the appropriate language. Show your high professionalism. Show maturity in dealing with any situation. Show your interest in being part of the company. You will be considered for the next job opening, whether it is the same or a similar position, according to your profile.
Remember that the advantage of receiving this type of mail is that you are being notified. Look at it as an opportunity. Thank them for the gesture, mention the disappointment, and show your willingness to apply again to that company. Ask for feedback on the interview to improve. Be confident and ask for help in reviewing the CV, make changes and apply for other positions.
References
1. Manuel, J. (2020). Human resources operating manual, Recruitment, selection and job orientation. José Manuel Ferro Veiga.
2. Alles, M. (2016, December 21). Selection by Competencies: Attraction and recruitment in social networks. Interviewing and measurement of competencies.(1st ed.). Ediciones Granica.
3. de Coster, M. (2014). Digital identity and employment:a love or hate story?. Bit, (197), 12.
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