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How to Respond to a Rejection Email: A Systematic Guide
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Jun 23, 2025

How to Respond to a Rejection Email: A Systematic Guide

Henry-author-image Henry
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After putting so much time and effort into a job application or opportunity, getting a rejection email can feel like a punch to the gut. But how you choose to respond to that rejection can make a big difference in your career. Creating a thoughtful reply to a rejection email not only shows your professionalism but can also leave a positive impression on the employer or organisation. Remember, when you are generating responses, stick to the specified language and avoid using any others.

This article will discuss how to respond to a Rejection Email, offer advice on writing a polite and expert answer and provide examples to get you started.

How to Deal with Rejection

Everyone experiences rejection at some point, whether in relationships, job applications, creative ventures, or social settings. Although it can be painful and discouraging, rejection can also present a chance for personal development and self-awareness. Here are some healthy and productive ways to deal with rejection:

  1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
  2. Avoid Personalising It
  3. Reflect Constructively
  4. Reframe the Situation
  5. Practice Self-Compassion
  6. Keep Going

Rejection Email after Interview

An official email from a company informing you that you were not chosen for the job following an interview is known as a rejection email. Even though getting this type of communication can be discouraging, it frequently contains positive criticism or opens up possibilities. Here is an example of a rejection email after an interview:

Subject: Interview Outcome – [Job Title] at [Company Name]

Dear [Candidate's Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and your efforts in the interview process.

After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we have decided to move forward with another candidate for this role. This decision was not an easy one, given the high quality of applicants like yourself.

We truly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your background and experience. We will keep your information on file and may reach out to you if another opportunity arises that better matches your skills and career goals.

Thank you again for your time and interest in [Company Name]. We wish you the best in your job search and future endeavours.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Job Title]

[Company Name]

[Contact Information]

How to Respond to a Rejection Email

Maintaining professionalism and making a good impression can be achieved by responding to a rejection email, particularly after applying for a position or opportunity. This is a summary of how to respond to a rejection email:

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thank you for informing me of your decision regarding the [Job Title] position. Although I am disappointed not to have been selected, I truly appreciated the opportunity to interview and learn more about [Company Name].

I am very interested in the work of your team and would welcome the opportunity to be considered for future roles. If you are willing to share any feedback on my request, I would be grateful for your insight.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I hope our paths cross again.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Job Rejection Email Response

It is crucial to react to a job rejection email in a way that is polite, professional, and shows gratitude. A well-written response maintains the door open for future chances in addition to making a good impression. It demonstrates maturity, respect for the recruiting process, and a growth mentality. Here is a good way to react.

It is crucial to react to a job rejection email in a way that is polite, professional, and shows gratitude. A well-written response maintains the door open for future chances in addition to making a good impression. It demonstrates maturity, respect for the recruiting process, and a growth mentality. Here is a good way to react.

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision for the [Job Title] position. Although I am naturally disappointed, I truly appreciate the opportunity to interview with your team and learn more about [Company Name].

It was a pleasure speaking with you and learning more about the exciting work your team is doing. If you would be willing to share any feedback about my interview or application, I would be very grateful. I am interested in [Company Name] and hope to be considered for any future opportunities that match my experience.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Phone Number] (Optional)

[LinkedIn Profile or Email Address]

How to Respond to a Rejection Email without an Interview Sample

Your response should still be polite and professional, even if you were turned down without receiving an interview offer. A kind response can make a good impression and help you stay in the running for future opportunities, even if you were unable to talk with the team. Here is an example of how to respond to a rejection email without an interview sample.

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for informing me of your decision regarding the [Job Title] position. While I am disappointed that I was not selected for further consideration, I appreciate the opportunity to apply and the time your team took to review my application.

I am very interested in [Company Name] and would be grateful if you would keep me in mind for future opportunities that may suit my skills and experience.

Best wishes for your and your team's success.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Thank-You Note after a Rejection Letter

Even if the result is not what you were hoping for, sending a thank you message after receiving a rejection letter is a considerate way to express professionalism and thanks. It keeps the lines of communication open for future chances and helps you keep a good relationship with your company. Making a lasting impression can be achieved with a short, courteous response.

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] position. While I am naturally disappointed, I truly appreciate the opportunity to apply and the time your team took to review my materials.

I am interested in [Company Name] and would welcome the opportunity to be considered for a future opening. Best wishes to you in your search for the right candidate and your continued success.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up Email after Rejection

Following a rejection, sending a follow-up email is a professional method to show the employer that you are still interested in them and perhaps even learn how to get better. If you write it carefully, it might also help you position yourself for future opportunities. Here is a sample of a follow-up email after rejection.

Subject: Following up – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. Thank you again for informing me of your decision regarding the [Job Title] position. Although I was not selected, I appreciated the opportunity to apply and learn more about [Company Name].

I am very interested in contributing to your team and would love to be considered for any future roles that fit my background. If you have any feedback on my application, I would be grateful for any insights you are able to share.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I hope we have the opportunity to connect again in the future.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

How to Reply to a Job Rejection

Professionally handling a job rejection is a great way to make a good impression that lasts. Despite not being chosen, a courteous answer demonstrates maturity and gratitude and may help open doors for future chances. The examples of how to respond to job rejection are:

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] position. Although I am disappointed, I truly appreciate the opportunity to apply to [Company Name] and learn more about your team.

I am still very interested in the work your company is doing and would welcome the opportunity to be considered for any future roles that might be a good fit for my background. If you would be willing to provide feedback on my application, I would be grateful.

Best wishes to you and your team.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

How to Respond to a Job Rejection Email

A professional method to express gratitude and maintain contact with the company is to reply to an email rejection. A considerate response shows maturity, gratitude, and ongoing interest, even if you were not chosen.

It may create a favourable impression and lead to new opportunities in the future. Even if you do not get the job, you can still make an impression by politely and professionally replying to an email rejection. It maintains the relationship positively, demonstrates emotional intelligence, and might even put you in a position to take advantage of future chances with the organisation. Here is an example of how to respond to a job rejection email.

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for contacting me about the [Job Title] position. Although I am disappointed with the outcome, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to apply and learn more about [Company Name].

I am genuinely interested in your work and would be grateful to be considered for any future opportunities that align with my experience. If you can share any feedback, I would appreciate your insight.

Thank you again for your time and consideration—best wishes to you and your team for success.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

FAQs

How do you politely respond to a rejection email?

  1. Thank the hiring manager for letting you know their decision.
  2. Express your gratitude for their time and consideration. ...
  3. Tell them you appreciate the opportunity to learn about the company.

How do you respectfully respond to rejection?

In addition to thanking the other person for their time and expressing gratitude for the opportunity, you should do two things: State your interest in being considered for future opportunities, and ask for feedback on how you can improve.

How do you thank you for the rejection email?

We sincerely thank you for taking the time to apply and meet with our team about the [job title or position]. We enjoyed learning more about your past achievements as well as your skills and qualifications. We regret to inform you that we have selected another candidate.

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