Interview Regret Letter Template: How to Write a Professional Rejection Letter

Are you tired of staring at a blank screen trying to compose the perfect interview regret letter? Look no further, as we have a solution for you. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best interview regret letter templates available for you to use. With just a few clicks, you can access these templates, edit them as needed, and send them out to your candidates with confidence.

Interview regret letters can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s never easy telling someone they didn’t get the job, especially when they may have put in a lot of time and effort into the application and interview process. However, it’s a necessary part of the hiring process, and having a well-crafted and professional letter can make all the difference.

With our interview regret letter template collection, you can say goodbye to the days of struggling to find the words to say. These templates cover everything from thanking the candidate for their time to letting them know they were not selected for the position. Each template is easily customizable to fit your specific needs, and you can rest assured that you’re sending out a letter that is polished and respectful.

So, why waste any more time stressing over interview regret letters? Check out our collection of templates today and make the process quick and painless. Your candidates will appreciate the professionalism and transparency, and you’ll save yourself the headache of composing a letter from scratch. Happy hiring!

The Best Structure for an Interview Regret Letter Template

Interview regret letters are an important aspect of the hiring process and can be a delicate issue to handle. As a hiring manager, it is essential to craft the perfect structure for an interview regret letter template that conveys a professional attitude while still maintaining empathy with the interviewee. In this post, we will discuss the best structure for an interview regret letter, using the writing style of Tim Ferriss, to ensure that you produce a compelling and effective document.

Firstly, it’s important to open the letter by expressing gratitude for the interviewee’s interest in the position and appreciation for their time and effort in participating in the interview process. This will allow you to establish a positive tone while acknowledging the value of their application and contribution.

Secondly, it’s necessary to provide feedback on the interviewee’s skills and qualifications. This can be achieved by highlighting specific areas where the candidate excelled, such as their experience or education, and thanking them for their interest in the position. It is important to keep this part of the letter brief and straightforward, as the candidate is likely to be disappointed with the outcome of their interview.

Thirdly, it’s essential to inform the interviewee that you have decided to go with another candidate for the position. This will allow the interviewee to understand the outcome of the interview process and eliminate any uncertainty or ambiguity. However, it’s important to keep this part of the letter positive by indicating that you have been impressed with their candidacy, which could potentially open up other opportunities in the future.

Lastly, it’s important to provide the interviewee with an appropriate professional closing. This can include wishing them success in their job search and career goals, or offering to keep their resumes on file for future job openings. Whatever the case may be, it’s essential to end the letter on a positive and supportive note that conveys professionalism, respect, and empathy.

In conclusion, crafting an interview regret letter template requires careful planning and attention to detail. The structure of the letter is crucial, and it’s important to maintain a professional and empathetic tone throughout the message. By following the best practices outlined above and using the writing style of Tim Ferris, you can develop an interview regret letter that conveys appreciation, feedback, and closure while maintaining positivity and respect towards the interviewee.

7 Interview Regret Letter Templates for Different Reasons

Letter Regretting an Interview Due to Unavailability

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us yesterday regarding the position of [Position Title]. We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better, and we are impressed with your qualifications and experience.

Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that we cannot move forward with your application due to unforeseen circumstances in our hiring process. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

We wish you all the best in your search for new career opportunities, and we appreciate your interest in our organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Letter Regretting an Interview Due to Lack of Experience

Dear [Applicant Name],

We appreciate your interest in the position of [Position Title] and for taking the time to meet with us yesterday. We enjoyed speaking with you and learning more about your qualifications and experience.

However, after careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with your application. We are seeking a candidate with more experience in [specific skill or field], which is crucial for success in this role.

We appreciate your interest in our organization and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Letter Regretting an Interview Due to Overqualification

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the position of [Position Title]. We appreciate you taking the time to meet with us and for sharing your qualifications and experience.

After careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with your application. While your experience is impressive, we feel that you would be overqualified for this role, and we want to ensure that the position is the right fit for your career goals and aspirations.

Thank you for your interest in our organization, and we wish you all the best in your future career endeavors.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Letter Regretting an Interview Due to Lack of Availability

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us yesterday regarding the position of [Position Title]. We enjoyed getting to know you better and discussing your qualifications and experience.

Unfortunately, we have decided not to move forward with your application due to your current availability. The position we are offering requires [specific availability], and we are unable to make accommodations for any other availability.

Thank you again for your time and interest in our organization. We wish you all the best in your search for new career opportunities.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Letter Regretting an Interview Due to Poor Cultural Fit

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the position of [Position Title] and for taking the time to meet with us yesterday. We appreciate your enthusiasm and the opportunity to discuss your qualifications and experience.

However, we have decided not to move forward with your application due to concerns about achieving a good cultural fit for the organization. While we were impressed with your experience and skills, we believe that the position and culture of our organization would not be the right fit for you.

Thank you again for your interest in our organization, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Letter Regretting an Interview Due to Salary Negotiations

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the position of [Position Title] and for taking the time to meet with us yesterday. We enjoyed discussing your qualifications, experience, and how you can add value to our organization.

However, we are unable to extend an offer due to salary negotiations. We understand your position in seeking a higher salary, but our salary range is fixed within our budget.

Thank you for considering us to be a part of your career journey, and we wish you all the best in achieving your career goals.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Letter Regretting an Interview Due to COVID-19

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the position of [Position Title]. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our hiring process. As a result, we are unable to extend an offer for this position at this time.

We take this decision seriously, and we are working hard to ensure that we can move forward with our hiring process as soon as possible. Please accept our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused you during this unprecedented and rapidly changing time.

Thank you for considering us to be a part of your career journey, and we wish you all the best for continued safety and success.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing an Interview Regret Letter Template

Writing a regret letter to an interviewee can be an uncomfortable task, but with the right approach, it can be done with grace and respect. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective interview regret letter:

  • Be timely – Send the letter as soon as possible after the decision has been made. This shows respect for the candidate’s time and effort.
  • Keep it short and sweet – Avoid long narratives that may come across as insincere or disingenuous. Instead, keep your letter brief and to the point.
  • Express gratitude – Take the time to thank the candidate for their time and interest in the position. Let them know that their application was appreciated.
  • Be honest – If appropriate, provide specific feedback on why the candidate was not selected. This is an opportunity for the candidate to learn and grow from the experience.
  • Offer encouragement – Let the candidate know that they are capable and talented and that they should continue to pursue their career goals.
  • End on a positive note – Conclude the letter with a friendly and professional closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely”.
  • Proofread – Before sending the letter, double-check for errors or typos. This shows attention to detail, which can reflect positively on your company.

By following these tips, you can create an interview regret letter that leaves a positive impression on the candidate, builds goodwill, and reflects well on your company.

FAQs about Interview Regret Letter Template


What is an interview regret letter?

An interview regret letter is a professional way to let a candidate know that they did not make it to the next round of the recruitment process.

Why should companies send interview regret letters?

Sending an interview regret letter is a professional and respectful way to close the communication between the candidate and the company and can help maintain the company’s reputation.

What should be included in an interview regret letter?

An interview regret letter should include a polite and gracious message thanking the candidate for their time and interest, and letting them know that unfortunately, they were not selected for the position.

Is it important to personalize interview regret letters?

Yes, personalizing interview regret letters with the candidate’s name and specific details about their interview shows that the company values the candidate and their effort.

When should an interview regret letter be sent?

An interview regret letter should be sent as soon as possible to show respect for the candidate’s time and effort and avoid leaving them wondering about the outcome.

Can interview regret letters be used as an opportunity to provide feedback?

Yes, interview regret letters can provide helpful feedback to candidates about their strengths and areas for improvement, but should be done so in a constructive and respectful manner.

How can interview regret letters positively impact a company’s reputation?

Professional and respectful interview regret letters can help create a positive impression of a company, as they demonstrate that the company values and appreciates the time and effort of the candidates and are committed to maintaining good relationships with them.

Don’t Let Regrets Get in the Way of Your Job Hunt!

Thanks for reading about our interview regret letter template! We hope that you found it helpful and that you’ll be able to use it should you ever find yourself in need of one. Remember, it’s important to keep pushing through the disappointments and setbacks during your job hunt. Keep your head up and know that your dream job is out there waiting for you. Be sure to bookmark this page and visit again later for more useful tips and templates that can make your job search easier and more successful. You got this!