How to respond to a job rejection email

A job rejection stings, even when the email is kind. Replying well is one of the few things still in your hands: a short, gracious answer leaves a good last impression and often leads to the next opportunity. Here is what to say, and 6 reply templates you can copy.

Should you reply at all?

• After an interview: yes. People gave you their time, and a thank-you is remembered.
• After a final round: definitely. You may have been a close second, and close seconds get called back.
• After an automated "no" to an application: optional. A reply to a no-reply address goes nowhere.

What to say

1. Thank them for the update and for their time.
2. Mention something you valued, such as meeting the team or a conversation about a project.
3. Leave the door open, if you would like to: ask to be considered for future roles.
4. Ask for feedback, if you want, in a way that is easy to decline.

Keep it short. Three or four sentences are enough, and a calm, warm tone matters more than the exact words.

Reply templates you can copy

Simple thank-you

Dear [Name],

Thank you for letting me know, and for the time you and the team spent with me during the process. I enjoyed learning about [company] and wish you all the best with the new hire.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

Keep the door open

Dear [Name],

Thank you for the update. I am disappointed, but I really enjoyed meeting the team and learning about [project or team]. If a similar role opens in the future, I would be glad to be considered.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Ask for feedback

Dear [Name],

Thank you for letting me know, and for considering me for the [role] position. If you have a moment, I would welcome any feedback on my application or interviews that could help me in the future. I understand if that is not possible.

Thank you again,
[Your name]

After a final-round interview

Dear [Name],

Thank you for the news and for a thoughtful process. I appreciated the conversations with [names or team], especially about [topic]. I would be very happy to stay in touch and to hear about future openings.

Warm regards,
[Your name]

Connect on LinkedIn

Dear [Name],

Thank you for letting me know. I enjoyed our conversations and would like to stay connected, so I will send you a LinkedIn invitation. I hope we have the chance to work together in the future.

Best,
[Your name]

Short version

Hi [Name], thank you for letting me know and for your time throughout the process. I enjoyed meeting the team and wish you the best with the role.

What to avoid

• Replying while upset. Wait a few hours. The email will still be there, and your reply will be better.
• Arguing with the decision. It almost never changes the outcome and can close a door that was still open.
• Asking them to reconsider. Asking to be kept in mind for future roles does the same job without the pressure.
• Demanding detailed feedback. Many companies cannot share it. A polite request is fine; insisting is not.
• Venting in public. A post about the company may feel good for an hour and follow you for years.

Looking after yourself

Rejection is a normal part of job hunting, and it says more about one team's needs on one day than about your worth. Take a short break, tell a friend, and then look at what you would keep and what you would change for the next application.

Related guides

On the other side of the table? See how to decline a job offer and how to decline a job interview. For a gentle no in other situations, see how to reject someone nicely. All guides are on the guides page.

Questions about job rejection emails

Should you respond to a job rejection email?

Usually yes, especially after an interview. A short, gracious reply takes a minute, leaves a good last impression, and keeps you in mind for future roles. After an automated rejection to an application, a reply is optional.

What do you say when you get a job rejection email?

Thank them for the update and for their time, say you enjoyed learning about the team, and, if you like, ask to be considered for future openings. Keep it to three or four sentences.

Is it okay to ask for feedback after a rejection?

Yes, if you ask politely and make it easy to say no: "If you have a moment, I would welcome any feedback that could help me." Many companies cannot share details, so do not take a short answer personally.

How long should I wait before replying?

Within a day or two is ideal. Waiting a few hours first can help you write calmly. Do not reply straight away if you are still upset.

Can I ask them to reconsider?

It rarely changes the decision and can feel awkward. A better move is to ask to be kept in mind for future roles, which leaves the door open without pressure.

The Department of Doubt is satire, but this page is a plain guide. See the satire notice and about the Department.