Top 10 Rejection Email Sample for Applicants to Help You Craft a Professional Response

As a job seeker, receiving a rejection email can be a disheartening experience. After tirelessly tailoring your resume, preparing for interviews, and sending follow-up emails, it can be disorienting to receive a polite message thanking you for your interest in the role but informing you that you were not selected.

However, it’s important to remember that receiving a rejection email does not define your worth. It’s simply a part of the job search process, and one that every job seeker will likely face at some point. The good news is that rejection emails don’t have to be painful. In fact, with a little ingenuity, they can be an opportunity to learn and improve your job search tactics.

In this article, we’ll explore the art of crafting a rejection email, and provide you with a sample message that you can use or modify as needed. With this information at your fingertips, you’ll be able to reframe your perspective on rejection and come back stronger and more resilient in your job search. So, are you ready to tackle the world of rejection emails? Let’s get started.

– Sample rejection email:

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for taking the time to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. We received a large number of qualified applicants, and we regret to inform you that we have decided to move forward with other candidates whose qualifications more closely align with our current needs.

We want to emphasize that your application was impressive, and we appreciate the effort you put into your submission. Your candidacy was carefully considered, and we hope that you won’t let this decision discourage you from pursuing future opportunities with our company.

We encourage you to continue your job search and wish you the best of luck in your professional endeavors. If you have any questions or would like feedback on your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you again for your interest in our company, and we hope to hear from you in the future.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

The Art of Rejection: Crafting a Polite and Professional Rejection Email for Job Applicants

As the hiring process continues to become more competitive, the challenge of declining job applicants with tact and professionalism has never been greater. Whether you are a small business owner or a recruiter working for a major corporation, properly structuring your rejection emails is essential in maintaining a positive reputation in your industry and avoiding any potential legal issues.

When crafting a rejection email, it’s important to remember that while the candidate may not be the right fit for the position, they are still a potential customer or connection. Keeping this in mind, it’s crucial to maintain a friendly and respectful tone throughout the email. Start off by thanking the candidate for their time and interest in your company and position. This sets a positive tone and shows that you appreciate their effort and consideration.

Get straight to the point in your rejection email and keep it short and sweet. There’s no need to go into detail about why the candidate wasn’t chosen, as this can often come off as insulting or dismissive. Instead, simply state that there were other candidates who were a better fit for the position and reiterate your appreciation for their time and interest.

Additionally, providing feedback and constructive criticism can be helpful for candidates in their future job search, but it should be done in a separate communication, not in the initial rejection email. If a candidate requests feedback on their application, provide it in a separate email or call, and again, keep it constructive and professional.

Last but not least, give the candidate a positive note to end on. Offer to keep their resume on file for future positions or encourage them to apply for other open positions in the company. By doing so, you are maintaining a positive relationship with the candidate and leaving the door open for future opportunities.

In conclusion, crafting a well-structured and professional rejection email for job applicants requires a delicate balance of empathy and professionalism. Always keep in mind that the candidate is a potential customer or connection and treat them accordingly. Thank them for their time and interest, keep the email short and sweet, and offer a positive note to end on. Following these simple guidelines can help your company maintain a positive reputation in your industry and avoid any potential legal issues.

Rejection Email Samples for Applicants

Thank you for your application, but unfortunately the position has been filled

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for taking the time to apply for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. After carefully reviewing all the applications we received, we regret to inform you that the position has been filled by another candidate whose skills and experience more closely aligned with our requirements.

We sincerely appreciate your interest in [Company Name] and encourage you to check our website in the future for new job opportunities that may be of interest to you.

All the best in your future job search.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Thank you for your application, but you did not meet our minimum qualifications

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for taking the time to apply for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Unfortunately, after reviewing your application, we have determined that you do not meet the minimum qualifications necessary for this position.

While we appreciate your interest in joining our team, we cannot move forward with your application at this time. We encourage you to continue to build your skills and experience in the industry and wish you all the best in your future career endeavors.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Thank you for your application, but we have decided to pursue other candidates

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate the time and effort you put into your application. Unfortunately, after careful consideration, we have decided to pursue other candidates whose qualifications and experience more closely align with our requirements.

Although we aren’t able to offer you a position at this time, we want to express our gratitude for your interest in [Company Name]. We encourage you to keep an eye on our job postings for future opportunities that may be a better fit for you.

Thank you again for your time and interest.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Thank you for your application, but your salary requirements are above our budget

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate the time and effort you put into your application. However, we regret to inform you that your salary requirements are above our budget for this position.

We understand that salary is an important factor when considering a job offer, but we are not able to accommodate your current salary expectations. We encourage you to continue your job search, and we wish you the best of luck in finding a position that meets your needs.

Thank you again for applying.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Thank you for your application, but you lacked the necessary experience for the position

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. While we were impressed with your skills and qualifications, we regret to inform you that we have decided to move forward with other candidates who have more experience in this field.

We recognize the effort you put into your application and your desire to work with [Company Name]. We encourage you to keep looking for opportunities that will allow you to gain the experience and skills necessary to advance in your career.

Thank you again for applying, and we wish you all the best in your job search.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Thank you for your application, but we found another candidate with better qualifications

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for taking the time to apply for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest and your desire to join our team. Unfortunately, after careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate we believe has more relevant experience and better qualifications for the position.

We understand how challenging the job search process can be, and we appreciate your interest in our organization. We encourage you to keep looking for opportunities that suit your skills and experience.

Thank you again for applying to [Company Name].

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Thank you for your application, but we decided to pause the recruitment process

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for applying for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate the time and effort you put into your application. However, we regret to inform you that we have decided to pause the recruitment process for this position due to internal reasons.

We understand that this news may be disappointing, but we will certainly keep your application on file for future opportunities that match your qualifications. We encourage you to continue to monitor our job postings in case any suitable roles become available in the future. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Thank you again for applying and we wish you all the best in your job search.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Rejection Email Sample for Applicants

Writing a rejection email sample for applicants can be a daunting task, especially when you consider the emotional impact it can have on the candidate. However, with a little effort, you can make the rejection process a bit more bearable for the candidate by following these tips:

  • Be clear and concise: A rejection email should be clear and to the point. Don’t beat around the bush or sugarcoat the message. Let the candidate know that they didn’t make the cut, but do it in a polite and respectful manner.
  • Personalize the message: Candidates put a lot of effort into their application, and they deserve to receive a personalized message. Address them by name and thank them for their time and effort in applying for the position.
  • Offer constructive feedback: While it’s not necessary to provide feedback, it can be helpful and appreciated by the candidate. Offer constructive criticism on their application, interview or any other aspect that they may want to improve on for future applications. Be specific and highlight areas that you think they can improve on.
  • Express your appreciation: It’s important to express your appreciation for the candidate’s interest in the position and thank them for their time. Let them know that you appreciate their skills and experience and that they were highly considered for the role.
  • Encourage them to apply for future positions: If there are other positions in the company that may be a better fit for the candidate, encourage them to apply and let them know that their application will be considered should they apply again in the future.
  • Provide a timeline: Give the candidate a timeline of when they can expect to hear from you regarding the position. This is important, as it can help the candidate move on and start applying for other jobs if they haven’t already.

By following these tips, you can make the rejection email sample for applicants a bit less painful and show the candidates that you value their effort and time in applying for the position.

Rejection Email Sample for Applicants


What is a rejection email?

A rejection email is an electronic communication sent to inform an applicant that they have not been selected for a job or opportunity. It typically includes a brief explanation as to why the applicant was not chosen and wishes them well on their future endeavors.

Why do employers send rejection emails?

Employers send rejection emails to close the loop with applicants and maintain positive relationships. It also serves as a form of feedback to the applicants in order to help them improve their skills or application materials for future recruitment.

What should a rejection email include?

A rejection email should include the applicant’s name, position applied for, brief explanation as to why the applicant was not chosen, and a polite and professional closing.

How should I respond to a rejection email?

You can respond politely and thank the employer for considering your application. You can also ask for feedback or request to be considered for future positions.

Is it common for employers to provide feedback in a rejection email?

While not all employers may provide feedback in a rejection email, some do provide constructive feedback in order to help applicants improve their skills or application materials.

Does receiving a rejection email mean I’m not qualified for future opportunities with the same employer?

Receiving a rejection email does not necessarily mean that an applicant will not be considered for future opportunities with the same employer. It may depend on the specific circumstances and qualifications of the candidate.

Can I request to be reconsidered after receiving a rejection email?

Yes, you can request to be reconsidered after receiving a rejection email. However, it is important to be polite and professional in your request and keep in mind that it is not guaranteed that the employer will reconsider your application.

Will the employer give me more detailed feedback if I request it?

It depends on the employer. Some employers may provide more detailed feedback upon request while others may not. However, it is always worth asking politely and professionally.

How can I use a rejection email to improve my job search?

You can use a rejection email to identify areas of improvement in your application materials or skills and work on them for future job search. You can also use the experience as a learning opportunity and not lose hope in landing your dream job.

Keep Your Chin Up!

Well, there you have it folks! A realistic rejection email example that will hopefully make the experience a little less painful for all parties involved. Remember, rejection is tough but it’s not the end of the world. Keep your head up and always use the experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you again soon!