Skip to content

How To Respond To A Rejection Email

Even though it may not be ideal, rejection plays a big part in our daily lives. One common form of rejection we can receive is a rejection email. When you receive a rejection email, it can often be tempting to delete it or even write back a snarky reply in some cases; however, sending a well-crafted response often is the better option for you and your career in the future. 

Read on to learn more about why and how you should create a great job rejection response. In the end, you should be able to effortlessly make personalized responses to rejection that will make you look dignified! 

Why Should You Even Respond To Rejection

It doesn’t often feel natural to respond to job rejection. However, it often is the best choice. Responding to rejection emails can respectfully let the sender know that you understand while also being cordial and dignified. In addition, this can also be a networking opportunity, where you may get referrals or future work positions due to your present conduct. 

Sending a rejection email isn’t necessarily “standard,” so you may stand out to the sender. By sending a polite response, you are creating a positive image for yourself that could help you in the future. 

Many people find themselves in situations where an applicant who was hired quits or an employee needs another similar position. In these instances, sending a response to the rejection could help you land these new opportunities! 

How To Write A Rejection Email Response:

Now that you know it is a good idea to respond to most rejection emails, you may wonder how you do so. In general, a few main categories of ideas should be included in your response. 

Thank Them For The Opportunity 

By thanking your interviewer for the opportunity, you acknowledge the time they took with you and let them know how you are grateful for their time! 

Some things that you can thank them for include:

  • Thank them for communicating well with you 
  • Thank them for taking time to interview and work with you 
  • Thank them for allowing you to learn about the company and all it offers 
  • Thank them for being thoughtful and taking time with the process 

Even though it is good to thank them, try to keep it down to one or two sentences so that your idea comes across clear and easy! 

Express How Much You Wanted The Job 

While your response shouldn’t be a plea for reconsideration, it can still be helpful to express your disappointment in not getting the position. This is often easily done by mentioning how much you wanted the job in the first place. Again, you don’t want this portion to be too long, as it can easily sound pitiful or spiteful. 

By letting them know you’re disappointed, showing your interest in the company would help you land later positions or referrals. 

Express Present Interest In The Job 

Going along with the same ideas can also be beneficial to show that you are still interested in the job. This easily ties in with your disappointment in not getting the job in the first place. 

By reiterating your interest in the position, you are letting your interviewers know that you would be available and ready for any future positions or opportunities. 

Ask For Ideas And Feedback 

One interesting thing you can add to your response is a request for feedback about why you weren’t selected for the specific position. Many interviewers aren’t asked questions like this often, so it can make you stand out and make them think of you for later positions. 

Asking for feedback also lets you know what you can improve in the future. You can make positive changes that can improve your chances for any future job positions by learning this information. 

Example Email Reply

“Dear XXXXX, 

Thank you so much for getting back to me about your decisions on the job position. While I am disappointed not to be receiving the position, I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to work with you and your team. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about your company, and I would love to be considered for any job openings you may have in the future! 

If you have time to spare, I would be very interested to hear any feedback you have for me about my resume, application, or interview. This would be very helpful to me in improving myself and applying to more future jobs! 

Thank you for communicating with me in this process. I hope that I will have more opportunities to work with you and your company in the future, and I wish you all the best! 

Sincerely, 

XXX”

Summary:

In the end, sending a reply to rejection emails can be beneficial, as it creates a positive image and enables you for future job positions. While there isn’t a set structure in which this email should be formed, there are some things that you may want to include, such as appreciation toward your interviewers, acknowledgment of your interest in the job, or even interest in more information about your performance in your interview. 


Want to sharpen your business writing skills? Discover our acclaimed online courses at syntaxtraining.com Whether you want to learn about taking taking meeting notes, become a master proofreader, master punctuation or tune-up your business writing skills, our courses are here to help you.

Posted by Avatar photo
By Ryan Fisher

Ryan holds degrees from Pacific Lutheran University and specializes in proofreading, editing, and content writing with an emphasis on business communication.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *