Have you recently gone for an interview and received that dreaded email to say you didn’t get it?
When you are looking for a job, it is inevitable that at some point, you will be sent an email rejection. While this can be difficult, there are ways to make the process smoother and avoid hurting your chances of getting future interviews.
So, if you’re not sure about what to do next, here are some tips on how to respond to a job rejection email.
Contents
What To Expect In A Job Rejection Email?
A rejection email can be sent out in two cases:
1 Because you didn’t get to the interview stage due to various reasons.
2 You attended an interview and didn’t get the position.
If you are applying for a job and do not get an interview, the employer will usually send out a rejection email to all candidates who did not make it. Additionally, if you were successful in obtaining an interview but unsuccessful in securing the job, some companies may opt to send a rejection email.
The email may come from the employer or an HR representative. It will usually be sent to all unsuccessful candidates. Typically, it will be accompanied by a generic reason as to why you were not successful, e.g., more experienced candidates had applied. The email may also include a sentence about how the employer enjoyed meeting you and encourage you to apply again in future jobs.
What To Do When You Receive A Job Rejection Email?
Do not panic! It can be easy to feel like you have been kicked in the guts; however, it is important to remain professional and positive. When you receive the job rejection email, take a deep breath, and compose yourself before responding. You should aim to respond within 24 hours of receiving it.
Why Should you Respond to a Job Rejection Email?
If you have applied for a job and do not get an interview, it can be easy to feel like your hard work has been wasted. However, even if you are not successful in landing the role, there are still benefits to responding positively to rejection emails:
Employers must see candidates who have taken the time out of their day to respond. This shows that you are professional and serious about your job search. It also allows you to ask for feedback on your performance and ask for recommendations.
There’s always room for improvement…
Asking questions about the job application process may also allow you to get tips on how to improve in the future, so that next time you are successful! Employers will appreciate it when they know that an unsuccessful candidate is taking steps towards improving their chances of getting a job offer.
It can also be a chance to ask the employer whether they think you are suited to other roles in their company. An employer may have seen something positive in your application that would also make you suitable for another role at the same organization.
Many employers will keep all of their applications on file and refer back to them when making future job offers, so if there are other roles for which you are suitable, it may be worth following up on your application.
How To Respond To A Job Rejection Email?
There are a few things you should keep in mind when crafting a response to a rejection email:
Thank them for their Time
Although you may be angry or upset, it is important to remember that the employer has taken time out of their day to send you a rejection email. Thank them for their time and for considering you for the role.
Remain Positive
It can be difficult to remain positive after receiving a job rejection email; however, it is important to maintain a professional attitude. It can be tempting to lash out at the employer for not selecting you; however, this will only serve to hurt future job applications with other employers who may have seen your application but were put off by a negative email.
Keep it Short and Simple
The email should be a response to the job rejection, not an opportunity to vent your frustrations. Keep the email short and simple, thanking the employer for their time and remaining positive.
Ask for Feedback
One of the best things you can do after receiving a job rejection email is to ask for feedback on your application. This will allow you to find out what the employer thinks could be done to improve your chances.
Mention Other Roles
If you know that you are suited to other roles in the employers’ company, mention them. You may not have been successful this time, but there may be another opportunity in the future.
Thank Them Again
Close your email by thanking them again for their time and consideration.
Examples Of Responses
Below are some examples of what a response to an email rejection may look like. This is not meant as a template; you should write your own unique letter based on the tips in this post. However, they can be used for inspiration and show how responses can vary depending upon the content of each individual email:
Example 1:
Dear [Employer],
Thank you for sending me an email regarding the job rejection. I appreciate your time and consideration for the role.
I remain positive about my job search and will continue to look for roles that are a better fit for my experience and skills.
If you have any feedback on my application or would like to write a recommendation for me, then I would greatly appreciate it. Please let me know if there are any other roles that you think I might be suited for that could improve my chances in your company.
Thank you again and best of luck with filling the new role, [Name]
Example 2:
Dear [Employer],
Thank you for contacting me regarding the job application. I was disappointed to hear I was unsuccessful in obtaining the role with your company. But will remain positive about my future applications.
If there are other roles in which you think I am suited, then please let me know.
Thank you again, [Name]
Example 3:
Dear [Employer],
Thank you for contacting me regarding the job application. Although I am disappointed with the outcome, thank you for taking the time to consider my application.
I am now looking for roles where I will be able to use my skills and experience more effectively. If you have any feedback that could help me improve my next application, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you again, [Name]
Tips For Overcoming A Job Rejection
It can be difficult when you have put your hopes into landing a job and are then rejected. However, there are some things you can do to help you get over a job rejection and continue your job search.
Take the time to mourn your loss
It is natural to feel upset and down when you have been rejected for a job. Give yourself the time to process these feelings and do not try to push them away.
Move on quickly
Once you have given yourself some time to grieve, it is important to move on quickly. Dwelling on the rejection will not help you in your job search.
Take action
One of the best ways to move on is to take some form of action. This can be as simple as sending out applications or revising your CV.
Stay positive
It can be difficult to stay positive when you have been rejected. But it is important to maintain your motivation and energy levels.
Seek feedback
If you have been rejected, it can be a good idea to seek some feedback from the employer. This can help you identify what went wrong and how you can improve for your next application.
Do not take it personally
Remember that a rejection is not a reflection of your worth as a person or employee. The employer may have had other candidates who were a better fit for the role.
Plan something fun for yourself
After receiving a rejection, organize a fun outing by yourself or with your family or friends. This can be enough to take your mind off the disappointment! Even if you cannot go on an outing, plan a little treat night. Eat your favorite ice cream or dinner, or watch your favorite movie. This could be enough to cheer you up for the day.
Do not give up
A job rejection is not the end of the world. You can still find a job that is perfect for you. Keep your head up and stay positive!
Let’s Make Sure You Ace The Next Interview!
We can all learn from our mistakes, and now you have the opportunity to do just that! So, let’s move forward and get you fully prepared and ready for the next one!
We’ve taken the time to search for the top interview guides online and put together this outstanding selection such as the High-Impact Interview Questions, the Knock ’em Dead Job Interview: How to Turn Job Interviews Into Job Offers, and 60 Seconds and You’re Hired!, as well as How to Answer Interview Questions, and The Key to Landing A Job – The Interview to begin with.
We also recommend reading up on the Fire Interview: The Storyteller Method, How to Answer Interview Questions, or my favorite, The Job Interview Problem Solver: 10 Sneaky Questions Interviewers Ask, and of course Get That Job!: The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview all available online in 2023.
Don’t forget that in an interview, your turn will come to ask the questions. Don’t panic! For that, we have the Master The Interviewing Process: Questions To Ask The Interviewer, or even Ask Me This Instead: Flip the Interview to Land Your Dream Job, as well as The Key to Landing A Job – Interview Secrets Employers and Headhunters Don’t Want You to Know which gives you a sneak peek into the whole process!
Final Thoughts
Rejection is never easy to deal with. But there are ways that you can overcome it and continue your job search. Every person is different in how they process negativity. I hope that by knowing how to respond to a rejection email, it will help you close the chapter and move on to bigger and better opportunities. So, stay positive, take action, and do not give up! And just remember…
If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything!
