Post Interview Rejection Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Applicant's Name]
[Applicant's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Applicant's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. We truly value the time and effort you invested in the interview process.
After careful consideration and thorough review, we regret to inform you that we have chosen to move forward with another candidate for the [Job Title] position. While your qualifications and experience were impressive, our decision was based on a combination of factors, including the specific needs of the role and the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Please know that this decision was not made lightly, and we recognize the effort you put into preparing for and participating in the interview process. Your skills and background are indeed valuable, and we encourage you to continue pursuing opportunities that align with your career goals.
We understand that receiving this news can be disappointing, and we want to assure you that this outcome does not reflect a lack of appreciation for your talents. We will keep your application on file for future openings that may be a better match for your skills and experience.
Once again, we appreciate your interest in joining our team and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. If you have any questions or would like feedback regarding your interview, please feel free to reach out to us.
Thank you for considering [Company Name] as a potential employer. We wish you every success in your job search and beyond.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Company Name]
Formal Post Interview Rejection Letter
Subject: Interview Outcome
Dear [Candidate's Name],
Thank you once again for taking the time to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. We truly appreciate the effort you put into the process and the opportunity to learn more about your qualifications.
After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we have decided to move forward with another candidate whose experience more closely matches our current requirements. This was not an easy decision given the quality of applicants, including yourself.
We wish you every success in your job search and professional journey. Thank you again for your interest in [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
Professional Rejection Email With Feedback
Subject: Interview Feedback and Outcome
Dear [Candidate's Name],
Thank you for interviewing with us for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate the time and effort you invested in the process and enjoyed learning more about your skills and experiences.
Although we will not be moving forward with your application at this time, I would like to share some feedback. We were particularly impressed with your [specific skill/strength]. However, we felt that [area of improvement] did not fully align with the requirements of this position.
We encourage you to continue building on your strengths and hope you will consider applying for future opportunities with us.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
Simple Post Interview Rejection Email
Subject: Thank You for Your Application
Dear [Candidate's Name],
Thank you for your interest in the [Job Title] position and for interviewing with us. After reviewing all candidates carefully, we have chosen to move forward with another applicant.
We appreciate the time you took to meet with us and wish you success in your career endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Friendly Rejection Email With Encouragement
Subject: Thank You for Interviewing
Hi [Candidate's Name],
It was such a pleasure getting to know you during the interview process. Your enthusiasm and energy stood out to us, and we truly enjoyed our conversations.
While we are moving forward with another candidate for this particular role, please don’t let this discourage you. You have strong potential, and I encourage you to apply for future openings at [Company Name].
Thank you again for your time and best of luck with your job search.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Heartfelt Rejection Letter After Multiple Rounds
Subject: Outcome of Your Application
Dear [Candidate's Name],
Thank you for going through the entire interview process with us for the [Job Title] role. We recognize the effort, preparation, and time commitment you have made throughout the multiple rounds of discussion.
After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we have selected another candidate. This decision was a difficult one, as your qualifications and experiences were highly commendable.
Please know that this outcome does not diminish your abilities, and we encourage you to stay connected with us for future roles. You have much to offer, and we wish you great success in your career path.
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
Official Corporate Rejection Letter
Subject: Application Status Notification
Dear [Candidate's Name],
We appreciate your interest in [Company Name] and the time you spent interviewing for the [Job Title] position. After thorough review, we have decided not to proceed with your application at this time.
Please be assured that your profile will be retained in our system for future opportunities that align with your qualifications. We highly value the skills you demonstrated during the interview and encourage you to consider applying for other positions with us.
Thank you once again for your effort and interest in joining our organization.
Respectfully,
[Recruitment Team / Hiring Committee]
Quick Rejection Email for Early Stage Interview
Subject: Interview Outcome Notification
Dear [Candidate's Name],
Thank you for interviewing for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. We appreciate the opportunity to learn more about you.
At this stage, we have decided to move forward with other candidates. We truly value the time you dedicated and wish you the best in your job search.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
What is a post interview rejection letter and why is it important?
A post interview rejection letter is a formal or informal message sent to candidates to inform them that they have not been selected for a position after an interview.
Its purpose is to close the communication loop respectfully, maintain the company’s reputation, and leave the candidate with a positive impression.
It also provides closure to candidates, allowing them to move on with their job search.
Who should send a post interview rejection letter?
- Hiring managers directly involved in the interview process
- HR professionals managing recruitment
- Recruiters representing a company or client
- In smaller organizations, business owners or department heads
When should a post interview rejection letter be sent?
- As soon as a final hiring decision is made
- Ideally within 3–5 business days after the interview
- After each stage of interviews if the candidate is not moving forward
- Prompt timing avoids leaving candidates uncertain about their status
What should be included in a post interview rejection letter?
- A polite greeting addressing the candidate by name
- Expression of gratitude for their time and interest
- Clear communication of the decision
- Optional feedback (if allowed by company policy)
- Encouragement for future applications (when appropriate)
- Professional closing statement
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a rejection letter
- Using overly generic or automated wording
- Delaying the communication unnecessarily
- Being too blunt or harsh in tone
- Making promises of future opportunities that cannot be guaranteed
- Forgetting to thank the candidate for their time
- Not proofreading for errors, which can appear careless
Compare and contrast: rejection letters vs no response
- Rejection letters show professionalism, provide closure, and maintain goodwill.
- No response leaves candidates confused, frustrated, and may damage the employer’s reputation.
- Sending a clear and timely rejection is always better than silence.
Tips for writing an effective post interview rejection letter
- Keep the message professional but empathetic
- Personalize the letter with the candidate’s name and interview details
- Provide constructive feedback when possible
- Keep the letter concise and clear
- Always maintain a tone of respect and appreciation
After sending a rejection letter: what should be done?
- Log the rejection in the company’s recruitment records
- Keep the candidate’s details on file if future roles may be suitable
- Ensure consistent communication across all candidates to maintain fairness
- Be prepared to respond if the candidate asks for additional feedback







