Should you reply to a rejection email? It depends. If you really liked that company or position, then yes. If you had a generic rejection without an interview for a so-so job, then you can skip it. But here’s the main benefit of sending that response email: it’s closure.
Rejections sting bad. Especially when you’re job hunting, sending resumes left and right and writing cover letters like you’re running out of time. So when the rejections start piling up, it’s no wonder they’ll eventually break the camel’s back. That’s where the response comes in.
Should you respond to every rejection email?
You don’t have to write one for every job you’ve applied to. Just focus on those jobs you really wanted. Yes, you will be disappointed that you didn’t get the job. You can also turn this into a bridge between yourself and the employer or company.
How to craft a professional response
Start by addressing the recipient by name and thank them for their time and consideration. Don’t be tempted to leave it at that. If you write just this or don’t reply at all it has the same effect. Dig deeper.
Acknowledge your disappointment. Do it briefly and professionally. This is the gateway to honesty, not the start of a pity party.
Express gratitude. Highlight the positive aspects of your interview or application process. You can use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the company.
Ask for feedback. This step is optional. Requesting constructive criticism will help you improve future applications. Only ask for this if you are confident you can take whatever is thrown your way. Remember that this step is a gamble. Not all recruiters know how to give constructive criticism.
Close your response to the rejection email by wishing the recipient and the company all the best.
Include your personal information. This strengthens your desire to stay connected and really be kept into considerations for future openings within the company.
Use this example when you write your rejection email response
Dear [hiring manager name],
Thank you for letting me know about your decision. While I’m disappointed not to be moving forward, I appreciate you taking the time to interview me. I really enjoyed learning more about the [position] and [company]. It was great to know that we share the same values and motivations when it comes to business and professional fulfillment.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I wish you all the best in finding the best candidate for this position.
Sincerely,
[your name and contact info]
Extra tips for how to respond to a rejection email
- Respond within 1 or 2 days from receiving the news.
- Proofread your response for typos and grammatical errors.
- Keep the tone professional, courteous, and positive.
- Be concise.
Bonus: Consider actively following the company on LinkedIn to showcase your continued interest.
What not to do when responding to a rejection email
- Don’t let your anger get the best of you.
- Don’t negotiate your salary or position.
- Don’t bad-mouth the company.
If you do want to write all the things above just to get them out of your system, that’s fine. Just don’t send out the email. But if you want to build bridges and get a positive closure, then by all means, follow our tips.
To sum up
Facing rejection can be discouraging. But with a thoughtful rejection email you can turn a negative experience into a positive one. Rejection is a common part of the job search. By responding strategically, you can use it as a learning experience and potentially open doors to future opportunities within the company you genuinely admire.
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