HR Email

Rejection letter or email to candidates

This candidate rejection letter sample or rejection email template can save you a lot of time when sending negative responses to candidates. This customizable candidate rejection letter sample or rejection email template can be used to inform candidates about disqualifications in different stages of your hiring process. Writing and sending a clear and positive rejection letter is crucial for ensuring great employer branding and improving your candidate experience, which can have a direct outcome on your future hiring success.

Candidate rejection letter

How to send a rejection letter or rejection email to candidates

What is a rejection letter or rejection email to candidates?

A candidate rejection letter or email is a document an employer sends to job candidates who did not make it into the next phase of your selection process.
A candidate is a successful job applicant, whose resume has been reviewed and who has been moved forward in your hiring process (e.g. sent an assignment).

The importance of a rejection letter or rejection email to candidates

Writing and sending a clear and positive rejection letter is not only a kind, but a proper and professional way to address your candidates.
Sending a great rejection letter or email is also crucial for ensuring a great employer branding and improving your candidate experience.
Candidates appreciate receiving official notification via rejection letters or emails from companies in which they invested the time to apply.
Also, despite popular belief, a candidate’s experience doesn’t end when you decide not to hire them. Candidates that don’t make the cut for this position may be a perfect fit for some other current or future job opening.
This is why sending a great rejection letter is a key to building your talent pool! Building a good talent pool and being ready to find and hire quality candidates is essential for more productive and faster hiring process.

How to use this candidate rejection letter sample or rejection email template?

To help you save time, we have created a standard candidate rejection letter sample or rejection email template. Use and customize this candidate rejection letter sample or rejection email template to suit your needs, and send it via email or traditional mail.
It is very important to briefly but clearly explain the reason why the candidate did not pass to the next round of your hiring process. This should be an integral part of your rejection letter or email. Please provide your candidates some constructive feedback and details about why you decided to reject them and include it in our candidate rejection letter sample or rejection email template you can find bellow.
If you want to address a job applicant whose resume you reviewed you haven’t spoken to at all, use Applicant rejection letter template. If you want to address a candidate who you interviewed, use this Post-interview rejection letter or email template.

Template for a rejection letter or rejection email to candidates

Feel free to copy our candidate rejection letter sample or rejection email template, but make sure you customize it to fit your own needs!

Dear Mr./Ms. [insert candidate’s last name],
Thank you for your application for the [insert your job position title] at [insert your company’s name]. We really appreciate your interest in joining our company and we want to thank you for the time and energy you invested in your [insert applicable: job application/job assignment].
We received a large number of [insert applicable: job application/job assignment], and after carefully reviewing all of them, unfortunately, we have to inform you that this time we won’t be able to invite you to the next phase of our selection process.
Though your [insert applicable: education/qualifications/working experience/skills] are impressive, we have decided to move forward with a candidate whose [insert applicable: education/qualifications/working experience/skills] better meet our needs for this particular role.
We truly appreciate your expertise in [insert applicable industry] and interest in our company. We hope you’ll keep us in mind and apply again in the future.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email [insert your email address] or phone [insert your phone number].
We wish you every personal and professional success in your future endeavors.
Once again, thank you for your interest in working with us.
Kind regards,
[insert your first name and last name]
[insert your job position title]
[insert your company’s name]

Need more HR and recruiting templates like this Candidate rejection letter?

Check templates for Human Resources and templates for Recruiters.

See TalentLyft in action

Applicant Tracking, Recruitment Marketing, Sourcing and Talent CRM software are powerful alone, but unstoppable when used together!


Related content

Explore more topics

  • Employee Management

    Employee Management: Discover the essential tools, tips, and processes to build and lead a winning team. Learn how to effectively manage performance, foster collaboration, and create a positive work environment that drives success. Implement best practices to optimize productivity and ensure your team reaches its full potential.

  • Candidate Experience

    Candidate experience is a critical factor in shaping a positive employer brand and attracting top talent. Learn how to deliver a personalized and engaging candidate experience that reflects your company's values, fosters long-term relationships with candidates, and enhances your reputation as an employer of choice. Secure the best candidates with a standout hiring process.

  • Recruitment Content

    Elevate your hiring efforts with compelling recruitment content. Learn how to create engaging job descriptions, employer branding materials, and targeted social media posts that attract top talent. Effective content helps showcase your company culture, values, and opportunities, making you stand out in the competitive recruitment landscape.

  • Turnover and Retention

    Reduce turnover and improve retention with proven strategies. Learn how to identify the causes of employee turnover, implement retention programs, and create a positive workplace culture that fosters loyalty. By focusing on employee engagement and satisfaction, you can retain top talent and strengthen your organization’s long-term success.

  • HR Software

    Let HR technology make your work life easier! Streamline your HR processes, from payroll and benefits to talent management and recruitment, with powerful HR software. Save time, reduce manual tasks, and focus on strategic initiatives by working smarter, not harder.

  • Internal Recruitment

    Your organization's most valuable assets are the talents you already have. Maximize the potential of your existing workforce and learn how to use internal recruitment to build a stronger, more agile, and highly skilled team that's ready to tackle the future.

Simple and affordable recruitment software