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How to Write a Rejection Letter

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(100 Ratings)
Write a Rejection Letter
Write a Rejection Letter

Conducting interviews and saying “no” to applicants doesn’t always have to be stressful. You can almost always find something good to say (or at least something neutral) about a candidate - even when you're not offering them that coveted position.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Use formal letterhead when typing your letter. Do not handwrite a rejection letter.

  2. Step 2

    Address your candidate by name.

  3. Step 3

    Thank the candidate for the time, effort and interest in the firm.

  4. Step 4

    Write a supportive sentence about the candidate's qualifications, experience or, at very least, enthusiasm or motivation.

  5. Step 5

    Make it clear that the reason you didn't hire the candidate was because you found someone else with better qualifications and experience.

  6. Step 6

    Describe your company's procedures. For example, the company keeps resumes on file and notifies potential candidates about job openings. Alternatively, you can make no mention of this whatsoever.

  7. Step 7

    Wish the candidate good luck in his or her career development.

  8. Step 8

    Close the letter formally with "sincerely" or "best wishes."

  9. Step 9

    Sign your name, including your title.

Tips & Warnings
  • Keep it nice and short, unless a special relationship exists between candidate and interviewer.
  • Don't include anything personal.

Comments  

iwiLetter said

Flag This Comment

on 1/28/2008 The info above is great advise.

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