How Do You Respond To A Job Rejection Email Without Interview
The best email response to a rejection is short and professional. Do not ask why you did not get an interview. There are many reasons this could have happened such as the promotion of an internal employee or candidates that had more experience than you. Legally, many hiring managers cant share why you didnt move on in the hiring process. Simply, express gratitude for having your resume considered and wish them well.
How To Reject And Be Rejected During Job Interviews
Being rejected after a job interviewcan be tough. Job rejection can hurt your feelings and damage your confidence. But you know what?
Rejection is a part of life.
It happens to us all. That girl or boy turning down your invitation for a date, losing out in a school talent competition, your Mom saying you cant have a fourth cookie all forms of rejection. Job rejection is just another thing to add to the list.
In this article, were going to show you how to deal with job rejection and turn it into a positive. Were also going to give you tips on how to do some job rejecting of your own. Because, sometimes, a job that seemed right might not be whats best for your future.
A Sample Script For Declining A Job Interview By Phone
There is a reason why email is so popular. It allows you to craft the perfect response and wont put you on the spot like a live phone conversation. However, when declining an invitation, taking the time to call may be more courteous and leave a better impression than an email.
When opting for the latter, it is important to have some talking points ready. Heres how I would approach it:
Hi Joe, this is Henry regarding the XYZ position. I just wanted to call and let you know that Ill be declining the interview I was recently offered. Ive decided to .
I really appreciate your taking the time to consider me.
Your goal is not to burn any bridges. Be polite, concise, and humble. They may press for reasons why you are declining their invitation. Be prepared for this, and if there is anything that may change your mind, have that ready too. If its respectfully communicated, there is nothing wrong with stating your price. You could say something along the lines of:
I really like your company and the position, but the salary posted is less than what I am currently earning. I understand it may not be doable, but I would like to have a salary of $____ in order to consider it.
If this is a company youd like to work for in a different position, dont be afraid to share that either. This could lead to another, more appropriate opportunity.
You May Like: Interview With Cfo
Our Three Simple Steps On How To Decline An Interview
1. Reach out to your point of contact , as soon as you know you want to decline or cancel the interview.
2. Phone your point of contact. If they dont pick up, leave a voicemail and follow up with an email.
3. Send thank you notes for previous interviews with the company, if you havent already.
If youre straightforward and treat people with respect when declining or canceling an interview, youre more likely to build valuable relationships for the future than if you ride out the process in hopes they reject you.
Keep The Relationship Alive
When declining a job interview, your goal is to say no while keeping the relationship between the both of you alive.
This ensures youre keeping the door open for later, just in case your current opportunity falls through or you unexpectedly lose your job. It happens to everyone, so you want to prepare for that.
You dont need to exactly state why youre declining the interview. Rather, you can be general about why you need to move on. Trust me, the employer will understand.
With that said, you want to keep this relationship between you and the company alive. My favorite tip to do this is to offer to take the hiring point person, or a team member, out for coffee or a drink to pick their brain and get to know them more.
They usually wont take you up on the offer because theyre so busy, but the fact that you offered is something that will stick with them. This ensures you stick in their mind with a positive memory.
Even if they dont remember you when you can email them back months or years from that point, you can remind them of your previous correspondence and theyll remember you or see your name in their inbox. That you had positive interaction with them before is important social proof.
Deborah Woolridge, MSED SPHR SHRM-SCP
Certified HR Professional
You May Like: Mailscoop Io
Refine Your Search Priorities
Approach each new job application with a positive attitude and a fresh perspective. Rather than applying for every job in your industry, focus on vacancies best suited to your experience and skill-set. Study the job ad and company and tailor your resume to suit.
Work on quantifying achievements and skills so that they stand out to employers and write your resumein a way that shows them what they want to see.
If youre hunting for your first job, prioritize education to showcase the training youve done.
To help you do this, check out this guide:
You Are Unsure That You Want The Job
Part of the reason you interview is to figure out whether you would like the job. It’s OK to not know in the beginning trust that you aren’t wasting anyone’s time. As long as you go in with an open mind and explore the possibility, only positive things that can come out of it. You might discover that you do want the job after all. Or you might gather enough data to know that you don’t. Either way, this is better than guessing!
Recommended Reading: Interview Attire Womens
Bottom Line With Declining A Job Interview
Sometimes turning down an interview is the right thing to do. However, if you really arent sure you reject this opportunity down, read How to Smartly Accept Emailed Interview Invitations.
About the author
Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a recent Visiting Scholar at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Susan is a two-time layoff graduate who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. Since 1998, Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt.org. Follow Susan on Twitter at and on , .
Keep Your Email Concise
Providing additional details or specific reasoning behind your decision is usually unnecessary. Consider keeping your email concise and sincere. For example, you can thank the recruitment manager for their consideration and the opportunity, followed by informing them about your decision.
Related:How to Write a Formal Email
Also Check: How To Prepare System Design Interview
How To Reject A Job Offer Politely Email Sample
Hi ABC
I cannot be thankful enough for your invitation for the job interview for the role of X in your organization. I comprehend that you might have received hundreds of applications, and getting this interview call lifts me to cloud 9. It would be a privilege for me to make it to this application process.
However, due to some unpredicted circumstances and changes in situations, I would not be able to attend the interview. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. I hope that you get the right candidate for the position soon.
Thank you,
Your Name & Number
Reasons You Might Turn Down An Interview
There are many reasons you might turn down an interview offer, such as:
- You just accepted another job offer.
- You looked more into the role and find that it isnt the right fit for you.
- You realized that you are overqualified for this role.
- The employers communication seems unprofessional.
- You found out the companys values and culture do not align with whats important to you.
- You had an unexpected change in life plans.
- You decided you want to keep your current job.
Learn more: Congratulations, You Got A Job Offer. Now What?
Recommended Reading: Questions To Ask Cfo In Interview
Why Its Essential To Respond To An Interview Request
Your first thought when someone sends you an interview request that you are not interested in is to ignore the email. That may be the easier solution, but its the one that can come back to haunt you. Even if it makes you feel uncomfortable, its never okay to ghost a recruiter or prospective employer. Its a small world, and you never know when your employment situation might change. The last thing you want to do is just ignore the request and go about your day. It can feel awkward to decline a job interview request, but its the professional thing to do if you are no longer interested.
Reach Out To People Who Work There
As a last resort, you could go through your address book/email list/LinkedIn contacts list to see whether you know anyone who does or has worked at the business.
Try and seek an insider perspective on what it is really like to work there and whether the company makes good on the promises made on their website in particular, if you have concerns about working practices, ethics and company values.
Don’t Miss: Questions To Ask Cfo During Interview
You Couldnt Answer A Big Question
Interviews are designed to test you, and interviewers will typically have one killer question that is set up to make or break the candidate. Fail to answer it and job rejection looms large.
Often, there’s no right or wrong answer but the interviewer will want to see that youve done your research and know enough about the role or industry to be considered.
So, the key is to prepare.
Research the company as much as possible online before the interview find out everything there is to know. Study the job description thoroughly so you know exactly what the role entails, and make sure youre ready to backup everything youve said on your resume.
If youve done your homework, answered all the questions as best you could, avoided some big interview no-no’s, and put forward some good questionsof your own and the interview still doesnt go well, its probably them and not you.
And, hey at least with a bad interview you know what the outcome is going to be!
The interview went well, so why was I rejected? Perhaps we should reframe this question. It is your opinion that the interview went well. It may not have been the opinion of the interviewer , or alternatively it may have gone well from their point of view, but there was simply a better candidate. The key fact about job rejection is that it is almost always final, so make an appropriate response your first priority.
What Is Included In A Rejection Letter Sent After A Job Interview
If you do receive a rejection letter, dont expect it to include a reason why you werent offered a job. Employers are concerned about discrimination issues.
Reasons for rejecting an applicant could be construed as discriminatory if they are based on age, gender, national origin, religion, marital status, pregnancy, or disability.
Its safer, from a legal perspective, for companies to write a simple rejection letter that thanks the interviewee for taking the time to meet with the hiring manager. If the company is interested in considering an applicant for other openings, the letter may state that as well.
Recommended Reading: Questions To Ask A Cfo During An Interview
Tips To Respond Graciously To A Job Rejection
Responding graciously to a job rejection is the professional thing to do. It will make you look good in an employers eyes, even if they didnt hire you. Depending on the reason you didnt get the job your response can make you stand out for future job opportunities. In addition, many industries are tight-knit. You may end up working with people you met during the interview process at another company so its best to leave hiring managers with a good impression.
Why And How To Reject A Job Interview
A job seeker asked me if she should turn down a job interview, and it’s a very good question. Not every job interview is a good opportunity. In this case, she decided to accept the interview, and, in her situation, I think it was the right decision.
Most often, my advice is to accept the invitation to interview for a job, and see what you discover. Worst case, you’ll have more experience in job interviews, and be better prepared for your next interview.
Remember, one of your goals is to discover if you really want to work for them, and if you turn down an interview invitation, you lose the opportunity to learn more about them.
However, in some situations, the right answer is to turn down the job interview invitation. Here’s why and how…
Six Good Reasons to Refuse a Job Interview Invitation
Sometimes, turning down the job interview is the best option. For example, unless this is your dream job for your dream employer and you know you will receive a job offer, turn down the interview opportunity for any of these reasons:
Trust Your “Gut”
Use Employer Reviews Cautiously
Also Check: What Should Females Wear To A Job Interview
Give Your Reasons Clearly But Briefly
A hiring manager deserves to know why youre declining the job role but theres no need to bring up every point. Be honest and to the point. If youve accepted a job at another company, say that. If its not the right time for you, let it be known.
- I genuinely appreciate you offering me the position of Account Manager but after careful consideration, Ive decided to accept a position at another company.
- Thank you so much for offering me the role of Account Manager. Unfortunately, after much thought and talking it over with my family, Ive come to the decision that now is not the best time for me to leave my current job.
How Do You Politely Reject A Candidate After An Interview
When rejecting a candidate after a longer-form interview or conversation, it’s a best practice to reach out over the phone. Lead your discussion off by letting them know that you won’t be moving forward. Continue by saying that you appreciate their time and energy and keep them in mind for future roles.
Read Also: Best Interview Attire For A Woman
How To Decline A Job Offer Through Email: Practical Tips
Simply because youâve been made an offer isnât a good enough reason to accept it. You may have bagged a better offer, the pay may not be as per industry standards, or your gut instinct is telling you to walk away from this one — there could be various reasons for turning down an offer. Regardless of the reason, knowing how to respectfully decline a job offerneeds some practice.
Hereâs how to decline an offer graciously:
1 – Be prompt
The first tip of learning how to turn down a job offeris to not keep the employer waiting.
As soon as youâve made up your mind, let the employer know right away. Delayed communication can result in a lot of inconvenience for the employer, and create a negative impression about you as a professional. A prompt response can avoid frustration and heartache for both parties. Moreover, once you decline the offer, the employer can reach out to other candidates who may be interested in the position. Therefore, when you learn how to decline an offer promptly, you create opportunities for your peers.
2- Provide a reason
Here are some examples to consider:
3 – Politeness is always in vogue
Always start the communication by thanking the other person for giving you an opportunity and taking time out to schedule/conduct the interview. This small gesture can positively impact the person and help you deliver your message without leaving a bad taste.
4 – Always leave the door open
5 – Proofread, edit, and test your message before sending
Open Up Lines Of Communication
Be available to candidates and be transparent about your hiring process. Offer details about your hiring time frame and, in the meantime, let candidates know if your process or timeline changes. Make sure candidates have your contact details and encourage them to communicate their questions or concerns at any time.
You May Like: Preparing For System Design Interview
How To Humbly Decline An Interview
Related
How should you decline a job interview? It’s a simple task if done right, which basically means putting it in writing, keeping it short and being respectful of the interviewer, his company and his time. And there’s also the view that even if you’re not taking the job, you should accept the interview anyway.
