Candidate rejection email template
A rejection email does not need corporate padding. It needs a clear decision, a respectful tone, and a clean close.
Subject: Update on Your Application - [Company]
Hi [Candidate Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us about the [Role] position at [Company].
After careful review, we will not continue with your application.
We appreciate your time and interest in the role, and we wish you the best in your search.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us about the [Role] position at [Company].
After careful review, we will not continue with your application.
We appreciate your time and interest in the role, and we wish you the best in your search.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Thank you for your interest. We have decided to move forward with other candidates at this stage.
Thank you for your interest. We have decided to move forward with other candidates at this stage.
Thank you for your interest. We have decided to move forward with other candidates at this stage.Thank you for meeting with the team. After reviewing the interviews, we have chosen not to move forward.We will keep your information on file should a better-matched role open later.
When to use this template
- When a recruiter needs to close the loop after a screening or interview
- When the team wants a clean, respectful rejection email that avoids vagueness
Tips for writing the email
- State the outcome plainly in the middle of the message.
- Do not over-praise the candidate if you are not giving detailed feedback.
- Keep the note respectful and brief instead of wrapping the decision in filler.
What to edit before you send it
Candidates remember whether they heard a clear answer. The best rejection email is direct enough to close the loop and decent enough not to sound disposable.
Candidate nameRoleCompanyRecruiter name