--- title: How To Write Job Rejection Emails That Candidates Won’t Hate description: In this article we share five tips on how to write the perfect job rejection email. image: https://www.talention.com/hubfs/apple-coffee-cup-5199.jpg --- [![Talention](https://www.talention.com/hubfs/Talention_Logo_RZ%20Xiketic-1.svg "Talention")](https://www.talention.com/) [![Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/532188/d059139e-a7c6-46be-93d7-3bb8c751727e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/532188/d059139e-a7c6-46be-93d7-3bb8c751727e) [![Free Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/532188/316529e3-3bf9-428f-84fe-9b8096350adc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/532188/316529e3-3bf9-428f-84fe-9b8096350adc) ** ** ** ##### **[CRM](https://www.talention.com/products/candidate-relationship-management)** [Talent Pool](https://www.talention.com/products/candidate-relationship-management) [Events & 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email](https://www.talention.com/blog/topic/job-rejection-email) | 3 min read # How To Write Job Rejection Emails That Candidates Won’t Hate Written by [Madeline](https://www.talention.com/blog/author/madeline) Feb 27, 2019 8:53:00 AM Job rejection emails can be a pain point for many recruiters. They have to find a way to break bad news to candidates in a positive and professional way. If you’re a recruiter who shares this struggle, check out our **five tips** on **how to write** **the perfect job rejection email**. ## 5 Tips for Writing Job Rejection Emails That Candidates Won’t Hate ![Write job rejection email](https://www.talention.com/hs-fs/hubfs/apple-coffee-cup-5199.jpg?width=566&name=apple-coffee-cup-5199.jpg) ### 1. Be personal Every candidates biggest pet peeve is putting time and effort into an application and getting a generic rejection back that is addressed, “Dear Applicant”. It makes them feel like you may not have even given their application the time of day. By addressing the rejection email with their name, they no longer feel like an anonymous applicant. And it's even possible to do this via an [email automation](https://www.talention.com/blog/recruiting-automation) tool that allows you to send personalized mass emails to multiple candidates at a time. ![Email automation tool Talention](https://www.talention.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Email-1.png?width=600&name=Email-1.png)*Screenshot: Email automation tool in the Talention software* ### 2. Thank them for their time Even if they are being rejected, candidates still want to feel valued. They invested time into preparing an application and they want this to be recognized. Make sure you include a line thanking them for their time and interest in your company, just a short show of appreciation can go a long way. ### 3. Give them a reason, when possible Most candidates want to know why they have been rejected, particularly the farther they are in the [application process](https://www.talention.com/blog/job-application-process). It helps them to understand why they weren’t selected and what they can do to improve for future positions. It doesn’t need to be a detailed answer, a short sentence addressing the reason will do. For example, let them know you selected a more experienced applicant or that they weren't the right cultural fit for the company. ### 4. Offer them the chance to stay connected If a candidate is truly interested in your company, they are likely to be disappointed by the fact that they didn’t get selected for this position, yet still want to stay in touch. By including a link to your [talent pool](https://www.talention.com/talent-pool) in your email, you offer them the possibility to stay in contact and receive updates on future positions. This also gives you the opportunity to fill your talent pool with qualified candidates who may not be ready yet for a position at your company, but could be a great fit in the future. ![Talent pool sign-up Talention](https://www.talention.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Talent%20Network%20Talention.png?width=600&name=Talent%20Network%20Talention.png)*Screenshot: Talention's talent pool sign-up form* ### 5. End things on a positive note Ultimately you should end your job rejection email on a positive note. You want to leave the candidate feeling like they had an overall positive experience with your company, although they were not selected. Why does this matter? If they were a qualified candidate, you want to leave the possibility open that they would apply to a future position. Additionally, in the age of sites like Glassdoor, you should be aware that the candidate may leave a review about [their experience](https://www.talention.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-candidate-experience). [Check out our page "The Ultimate Guide to Job Rejection Emails"](https://www.talention.com/job-rejection-email) to find further resources on the topic of job rejections. Would you like to learn more about how to write job rejection emails? We would like to show you best practice examples and concrete implementation in the Talention software. Just ask for a free demo here and someone will get in touch with you shortly. [Request a demo now](https://www.talention.com/demo). [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/532188/de67641b-6e45-4802-a3b3-d8f14844ca3d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/532188/de67641b-6e45-4802-a3b3-d8f14844ca3d) Previous Story [← Job Rejection Emails: Don’t Make These 6 Common Mistakes](https://www.talention.com/blog/job-rejection-email) [** ](https://www.talention.com/blog) Next Story [Infographic - What is an EVP? →](https://www.talention.com/blog/infographic-evp) ## You May Also Like These Stories on Candidate Experience [![](https://www.talention.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Woman%20connecting%20cellphone%20and%20laptop%20computer.jpeg) ](https://www.talention.com/blog/job-rejection-email) [Candidate Experience](https://www.talention.com/blog/topic/candidate-experience) ### [Job Rejection Emails: Don’t Make These 6 Common Mistakes](https://www.talention.com/blog/job-rejection-email) Feb 26, 2019 8:49:00 AM | 3 min read [![](https://www.talention.com/hubfs/Mobile%20Job%20Application%20Ryte.jpg) ](https://www.talention.com/blog/job-application-process) [Candidate Experience](https://www.talention.com/blog/topic/candidate-experience) ### [6 Things Candidates Hate About Your Job Application Process](https://www.talention.com/blog/job-application-process) Feb 22, 2019 9:05:00 AM | 3 min read [![](https://www.talention.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/thinking%20woman%20with%20question%20mark%20on%20gray%20wall%20background.jpeg) ](https://www.talention.com/blog/candidate-relationship-management-vs.-candidate-experience) [Candidate Experience](https://www.talention.com/blog/topic/candidate-experience) ### [Candidate Relationship Management vs. Candidate Experience: What’s the Difference?](https://www.talention.com/blog/candidate-relationship-management-vs.-candidate-experience) Feb 4, 2019 9:45:56 AM | 2 min read ** ### Subscribe Newsletter by Email ## No Comments Yet Let us know what you think ### Contact **Talention GmbH** Ohligsmühle 3 42103 Wuppertal Germany  Tel.: [0202 261 494 880](tel:%20+49202%20261%20494%20880) Mail: info@talention.com ### Guides ### Features ### Subscribe to News © 2026 Talention GmbH