Readers frequently ask for a sample "thanks, but no thanks" letter, the letter that HR people don't like to send. Rejecting a candidate is always tough, especially after you have spent time with the candidate in multiple interviews. There may be nothing wrong with the candidates you are rejecting; you just found another who was more qualified or fit your culture better.
Every candidate deserves your thoughtful and timely communication at each step of the hiring process. These tips will help you communicate following the four key steps in your recruitment. Below are sample rejection letters that you can customize to your needs.
By staying in touch with your candidates, you are continuing to build a positive relationship with a potential employee and his or her network of contacts. Your reputation does matter when the best employees are job searching.
Find out more about how to write job candidate rejection letters.
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Sample Candidate Rejection Letters
- See a standard applicant rejection letter that you use to respond to applicants who are not as qualified as the applicants you decide to interview.
- See another sample, simple rejection letter sample for applicants whom you reject without an interview.
- Here is another sample rejection letter for applicants whom you choose not to invite for an interview.
- Here is a sample rejection letter for a candidate who did not appear to be a good fit for your company culture.
- See another sample rejection letter for use when you'd like the candidate to interview for a different job in your company.
- Here is a sample rejection letter for a candidate you hope applies again in the future: good cultural fit.
- Find another sample rejection letter for an applicant whom you hope reapplies in the future.
- This is a rejection letter for a candidate who was not selected following a first interview.
- Find a sample rejection letter for a candidate who is rejected following an interview.
- Here is a sample rejection letter for a candidate who was not selected following a second interview.
More About Candidate Selection