How to Respond to Rejection After a Job Interview

No one likes rejection. Especially after you’ve put in the time and effort it takes to apply and interview for a job opportunity.

However, if you are rejected, there is a right way to respond. Your goal is to remind the company of your professionalism and self-awareness even in the face of rejection.

This way if another opportunity comes up in the future, the company will remember you in a positive light! You never know what doors will open in the future.

Here are four key things to include in your response to rejection after a job interview.

1. Gratitude

Simple. Thank the hiring company for considering you as a candidate and taking the time to get to know you.

2. A Genuine Compliment

Share a genuine compliment with the employee who contacts you.

This should be something specific from your experience. It could be the welcoming environment, a specific conversation you had, or someone impactful you met during the recruitment process.

3. Ask for Feedback

Let them know you are open to feedback!

You can say something like, “If there is any feedback you would be willing to share with me, I would appreciate any opportunity to improve for other future job opportunities.”

Know that you may not receive a response, due to the volume of applicants a company is communicating with. However, if they do, you’ll get some good pointers for improvement. If they don’t, you’ve still demonstrated your willingness to take feedback and improve yourself.

4. Indicate Continued Interest

Let the company know that you remain very interested in job opportunities with their company.

You can say something like, “I had a great experience getting to know your employees, and I remain very interested in joining your team. I hope I may be considered for other opportunities that arise!”

Also let them know you’ll keep an eye on their employment website and they are welcome to reach out to you if they feel you would be a good fit for a different job opportunity.

Sample Letter

Here is an example of what all of these elements can look like combined:

“Thank you very much for updating me on my status in the recruitment. While I’m disappointed I wasn’t selected, I greatly appreciate the time you spent with me and the consideration for the position.

I wanted to compliment your team on the way they made me feel very comfortable during this process. You have a wonderful team, and I am still very interested in future opportunities that may arise.

I’ll keep an eye on your employment website, and I would certainly welcome any contact from you if you feel I would be a good fit for different opportunities in the future.

Thank you again.”

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