Sample Denial Email After Interview: How to Politely Reject a Candidate

In the world of job hunting, interviews are often seen as the gateway to success. However, the harsh reality is that not every interview can lead to an offer letter. Sometimes, the news may come in the form of a sample denial email after an interview. While it may be disheartening to receive such an email, it’s important to remember that this is a normal part of the job hunting process.

The good news is that there are ways to deal with a sample denial email after an interview. One of the best ways is to keep your head up and continue your search with the same level of enthusiasm. On the other hand, some individuals may want to improve their interview skills and techniques to ensure better results next time.

The key to dealing with a sample denial email after an interview is to take a step back, analyze what went wrong, and learn. It’s also essential to have a template for a denial email response to show professionalism and gratitude. Luckily, examples of these templates can be found online, and they are easy to edit to suit individual needs.

So, if you’ve recently received a sample denial email after an interview, don’t be disheartened. Take a deep breath; it’s just a minor setback. Instead, focus on learning from the experience and using it to your advantage in your next interview process.

The Best Structure for a Sample Denial Email after Interview

Denial emails are typically difficult to write, especially when it comes to interviews. You have to deliver the bad news in a way that doesn’t sound too harsh or dismissive. There are a few things you can do to make the process easier, and to help you draft a professional and courteous email that the candidate will appreciate.

First, start by addressing the candidate by name, and thank them for their time and effort during the interview process. This can help them feel valued and appreciated, even if they didn’t make the cut. It’s important to acknowledge their hard work and dedication, especially if they were one of many candidates you had to consider.

Next, provide the reasoning for your decision. Be honest, but tactful. Let the candidate know why you decided to go with another candidate. For example, you might say that you were impressed with their experience and qualifications, but you found another candidate whose skills and expertise were a better match for the role.

It’s also important to offer feedback, if possible. Let the candidate know what they did well, and what they could improve upon in future interviews. This can help them grow and develop as a candidate, and it can also be a good way to build goodwill and positive relationships with potential hires.

Finally, provide next steps. Let the candidate know that you’ll keep their resume on file, or that you’ll reach out to them if you have a future opening that you think would be a good fit. This can help the candidate feel more positively about the experience, and it can also help you build a database of potential hires for future reference.

In summary, the best structure for a sample denial email after interview includes:
– Address the candidate by name and thank them for their time and effort
– Provide reasoning for your decision, be honest but tactful
– Offer feedback, if possible, on what the candidate did well and what they could improve upon
– Provide next steps, such as keeping their resume on file or reaching out if a future opening arises.

Remember to approach the situation with empathy and respect, and to maintain a professional and courteous tone throughout your email. You want to leave a positive impression on the candidate, even if you have to deliver a negative message.

Sample Denial Emails After Interviews

Thank You for Your Time and Interest

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview with us. We have carefully considered all of our candidates and have decided to pursue other options at this time. Although we were very impressed with your qualifications and experience, we have decided to move forward with an applicant whose skills more closely align with the requirements of the position.

We appreciate your interest in [Company Name], and we encourage you to continue to apply for other positions. We wish you all the best in your job search.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Position Has Been Filled

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate whose experience more closely aligns with our needs at this time.

We appreciate your interest in our company and wish you all the best in your job search. Should any suitable positions in the future arise, we will keep your resume on file and be in touch.

Thank you again for your time and we wish you success in your future endeavors.

Best,

[Your Name]

Looking for a Different Set of Skills

Dear [Applicant Name],

We appreciate you taking the time to interview for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure to have you as a candidate and we appreciate your interest in working with us.

However, after careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with your application. While your skills and experience are impressive, we have identified a candidate whose skills are a better match for the position.

Please know that this decision does not reflect on any lack of qualifications or experience on your part. We appreciate your interest in our company and wish you the best in your job search.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Not Meeting Required Qualifications

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for applying for the [Position] role at [Company Name] and for your interest in our company.

We received a large number of applications, and although your background and experience are impressive we have decided to move forward with candidates whose qualifications more closely match the requirements for the role.

Thank you again for your application, we appreciate the time and effort you invested in our hiring process.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Not a Cultural Fit for Company

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for interviewing for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in our company and the time you took to speak with us.

After careful consideration, we have determined that there may not be a strong cultural fit between [Company Name], and your work style and preferences. As such, we will not be moving forward with your application.

We wish you success in your job search and good luck in your career endeavors.

Thank you again for your interest investing time in our hiring process.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Salary Requirements Not Aligned

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for applying for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in working with us.

After careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with your application. Unfortunately, we were not able to meet your salary requirements for the position.

Please know that this decision does not reflect on your qualifications or experience. If your salary requirements change in the future, we encourage you to apply to any open positions that match your skills and experience at [Company Name].

Thank you again for your time, and we wish you the best in your job search.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Not Enough Experience in Relevant Field

Dear [Applicant Name],

We appreciate your interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name], and for taking the time to interview with us. We appreciate your enthusiasm and dedication to our company.

After careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with your application. We believe that other candidates have more experience in the relevant field, and therefore present a better fit for this particular role.

We appreciate your time and interest in [Company Name], and we hope that you continue to pursue roles that will allow you to grow and develop within your field.

Thank you for your application and all the best in your job search.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Sample Denial Email After Interview

After conducting a series of interviews, it’s essential to follow up with candidates who didn’t make it to the next round. Writing a rejection email can be challenging, but it’s crucial for maintaining a positive employer brand. Here are some tips to keep in mind when crafting a sample denial email after an interview:

  • Be prompt: As soon as the decision is made, send the email within a reasonable amount of time. Ideally, it’s best to send it within 24-48 hours after the interview.
  • Be courteous: Start the email by thanking the candidate for their time and effort in applying for the job. Show appreciation for their interest in the organization, even if they were not the right fit for the position.
  • Provide feedback: Giving feedback can help candidates to improve and consider other options that may better suit their skills or experience. Offer feedback that is objective and constructive. Additionally, let them know that they are welcome to apply for other job opportunities in the future.
  • Personalize the message: Address the candidate by name and refer back to specific moments in the interview. This shows that you were engaged during the interview and that you value their time.
  • Stay positive: Even if it’s a rejection email, maintain a positive tone. Being upbeat can help to ease the disappointment of the candidate.
  • End on a good note: Conclude the email by wishing them well and thanking them for their interest. You can use a positive closing sentence to invite them to follow the company on social media or check for career opportunities in the future.

Remember, potential candidates can be future clients or even future employees. By sending a professional and respectful rejection email, you indicate that you care about the candidate’s experience with the company. It’s not just about filling the position but also about maintaining respectful and positive relationships with candidates. Ultimately, approaching the sample denial email after an interview with empathy, professionalism, and honesty will pay off in the long run.

FAQs for Sample Denial Email After Interview


What does a sample denial email after an interview mean?

A sample denial email after an interview means that the company cannot move forward with your application or is selecting other candidates for the position.

Why did I receive a sample denial email after the interview?

You received a sample denial email after the interview because the company found that you were not the best fit for the position or someone else was a better candidate.

Can I ask for feedback after I receive a sample denial email?

Yes, you can ask the company for feedback about your interview performance, but keep in mind that they are not required to provide it.

Can I reapply for the position after receiving a sample denial email?

Yes, you can reapply for the position in the future if it becomes available or if you feel that your qualifications have improved.

Is it appropriate to respond to a sample denial email after an interview?

It is appropriate to respond to a sample denial email after an interview but make sure that you respond professionally and respectfully.

Will a sample denial email after an interview affect my chances of being hired by the same company in the future?

No, a sample denial email after an interview will not affect your chances of being hired by the same company in the future unless there were any unprofessional actions on your part.

How do I move on after receiving a sample denial email after an interview?

To move on after receiving a sample denial email, take this as a learning experience, ask for feedback for possible improvements and prepare for future interviews with other companies.

Keep Your Head Up, The Next One Might Be Just Right

So, that’s how a sample denial email after an interview looks like. We hope this article comes in handy whenever you’re in the situation of sending one. Remember, don’t take it too hard and stay positive! There are plenty of other opportunities out there. Thank you for reading, and we’ll catch you later!