Tell candidates no, clearly and kindly
Silence is what job seekers complain about most: the candidate who hears nothing after an interview remembers the company. Pick the stage they reached, add one line of feedback if you can, and send a short, clear answer.
Specific and about the job’s needs, never about the person. Leave it empty if you cannot give any.
Private The text is assembled inside your browser and is never sent anywhere. What you type is kept only in this browser so the page remembers it; “Clear” erases it.
How the email is put together
It thanks the candidate, says no in the second sentence (not at the end of a long paragraph), gives the reason in terms of the role, and wishes them well. After an interview it acknowledges the time they spent. Keeping their details is offered only with their permission.
It is a fill-in template: each sentence is built from what you type. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Questions about the candidate rejection email
How do you reject a candidate politely?
Thank them, say clearly that you are moving forward with other candidates, give one specific reason about the role if you can, and wish them well. Send it as soon as you have decided.
Should I give feedback in a rejection email?
A line of specific feedback about the role’s needs is helpful and appreciated. Keep it about the job, not the person, and check your company’s policy first.
How soon should I tell a candidate they were not selected?
As soon as the decision is made. After an interview, within a few days; candidates who hear nothing remember it.
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