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How to Respond to a Rejection Email (With an Example)

People often take small courteous cues like responding and responding promptly for granted. But the consciousness of such honorable habits could go a long way and open more doors for you.

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People often take small courteous cues like responding and responding promptly for granted. But the consciousness of such honorable habits could go a long way and open more doors for you.

Photo credit: Drobotdean

It’s disappointing to receive a rejection email in your inbox especially if you were sure that you aced that application. The usual temptation is to delete the email immediately and forget the bad news. However, that is not always the best move. A cordial response to the sender is appropriate since it could be the beginning of a fruitful relationship.

When an email is sent confirming that you didn’t make the cut, it usually starts rather well. The recruiter starts by appreciating your interest in the company and acknowledges your capability. Everything changes when you see the word “unfortunately” or “regrettably”. The meat of the email lies in whatever comes after that adverb. And the preceding statement disappears into oblivion.

If all your hopes were pegged on the said application, it could crush you and siphon all your drive to continue hunting for opportunities. However, to win you need to take the rejection with grace and look for ways to forge a new path of a relationship together.

In the following article, we’ll explore the most appropriate ways that you can respond to a rejection email.

First and foremost, these are the reasons why you should respond to that email.

You obviously were not the only applicant who received that rejection email. There were many other candidates gunning for the same job. Chances are, you’ll be among the few if not the only one who responds to the email. You’ll definitely stand out from that pool and it will reflect well on you professionally and personally.

You never know, the hired applicant may change their mind and forego the position. Maybe another position that you are well qualified for might open up. Due to your gracious, polite response, the employer might just consider you if such a scenario plays out.

From a professional recruiter’s point of view, it will be easier to check out the pool they already had if the successful applicant turns down the job offer. It takes a lot of resources to scout, advertise, and sort through numerous applications. Therefore, your response which made you stand out might just put you in a pole position to clinch other roles that may come up in the future.

People often take small courteous cues like responding and responding promptly for granted. But the consciousness of such honorable habits could go a long way and open more doors for you.

According to career gurus at Indeed, you should view your application as an opportunity to network and establish a professional connection to advance your career.

 

How to respond to the rejection email

Take time to reflect

Don’t respond immediately because the emotions that arise from rejection are still raw. Instead, take some time to reflect on the whole application process. Think about the interview and how it went. This will put you in the right frame of mind as you draft your response. It will also keep your emotions in check thereby enabling you to respond rationally and professionally.

Express gratitude

First, you should express gratitude for the response. Remember there are several companies who never revert, leaving you guessing and in suspense. Acknowledge their courtesy and even appreciate them for going through your application. Additionally, you can mention the people you met if you went for an in-person interview and what you learnt about the company.

Keep it short and as precise as possible.

Acknowledge your disappointment

In your response acknowledge that you’re disappointed you didn’t get the position because you felt qualified for it. This shows the employer that you had a genuine interest in the position. Make sure to keep it brief to maintain a positive tone in your email.

Tell them that you’re still interested in working for the company

Reiterating your continued interest in working for that particular employer lets them know that if another vacancy opens up they should consider you. Failure to do this might lead the recruiter to assume that you got another position elsewhere.

Ask for feedback

What do you have to lose if you ask them what you should do to make you a better candidate? Ask the employer to show you things that you need to improve on in your application. Albeit you should ask politely so that it doesn’t come off as if you’re questioning their decision.

Asking for feedback politely is good because it helps those who are in the early stages of their career rectify mistakes that cost them opportunities.

Other times the winning candidate was selected because of reasons that had nothing to do with your application or qualification. That’s why you need to be respectful when asking for feedback.

An example of a response email

The following example can be a good template to use when drafting your response to a rejection email.

Hello Mr. Njoroge,

I’d like to express my appreciation for getting back to me. Yes, I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t get the job but I learnt a lot about your organization throughout the interview process. Thank you for the interaction we had with members of the hiring team such as Tim and Carol.

If another position arises, and I’m qualified for it kindly consider me. Additionally, if it’s not too much to ask, I request your feedback on my application. Any information that you give me will be of great help as I pursue other job opportunities.

Lastly, thank you for going through and considering my application. I hope that our paths cross in the future and I wish you and the organization all the best in your future endeavors.

Best regards,

Michael.

Conclusion

Rejection wasn’t obviously what you wanted but you can make something positive out of the situation. Giving a graceful response shapes your image professionally. It also leaves a good impression in the eyes of the recruiters. This might be a seed you sow that will blossom in the future and you may get other openings. You may also meet this person in future and explore partnerships in business and events.

Since it’s a basic courteous cue, just do it. You have nothing to lose.

 

Interesting read: The Right Way to Follow up After a Job Interview (with examples)

Written by

Wahome Ngatia

Peter Wahome Ngatia is an all rounded Marketing Specialist who deals in Graphic Design, Social Media, SEO and Content Writing. My passion is to use my skills and knowledge to help African businesses grow and thrive so that we can create employment for the youth. I also want to churn helpful content that inspires millennials to go hard after their dreams. Mantra: You learn more from failure than success.


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