21 Sample Denial Email After Interview Templates: How to Turn Down a Candidate Gracefully

Have you ever walked out of a job interview feeling confident, only to receive a denial email shortly after? It can be disappointing and frustrating, but remember: it’s not the end of the world. Rejection is a normal part of the job search process, and it’s important to learn from it and move forward.

If you’re struggling with how to craft a professional and courteous denial email after an interview, don’t worry. You’re not alone. In fact, many job seekers struggle with this task. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you out – including sample denial emails.

By searching online, you can find a wealth of example emails that you can use as a starting point. Simply edit the email to reflect your experience and feelings, and you’ll have a polished and professional denial email that will leave a positive impression on the employer.

So don’t stress out over writing the perfect denial email. Use the resources available at your disposal and keep moving forward in your job search journey.

The Ideal Structure for a Polite and Professional Sample Denial Email after an Interview

After conducting interviews with several candidates, it can often be difficult to choose the perfect individual for a particular job. While you may have invested significant time and effort in interviewing candidates, providing them with the appropriate feedback can be equally crucial to maintaining your reputation and relationships with those candidates. Writing a sample denial email can be an excellent way to communicate your decision politely and professionally.

The structure of a sample denial email following an interview should be well-organized and concise. Ideally, it should include three essential components: a salutation, the main content, and a closing.

The salutation of the email should be courteous and professional and ought to address the candidate by their name. This personal touch demonstrates respect and consideration for the candidate and underscores your suitability for the position you are recruiting for. You can use something like “Dear [Candidate Name],” as a polite introduction.

The body of your denial email should be the core of your message. Your phrasing should be gentle but firm. The aim is to emphasize that the candidate is not a match for the open job, without engaging in any negativity. Thank them for meeting with you, explain that you had many great candidates to choose from, and that you decided to move forward with another candidate. Reassure them that their resume will remain on file for future openings, and encourage them to apply again if they see another opening of particular interest.

As you wrap up the email, the closing should be another polite but straightforward sentence or two. Offer your compliments again, restate your appreciation for their time and interest, and wish them success in their future endeavors. A polite closing will give a positive impression, even in the face of disappointment.

In conclusion, the ideal structure of an excellent sample denial email after an interview should include a courteous and professional salutation, a well-crafted body that is gentle and encouraging, and a closing that is polite and optimistic. With these three components, you can give your candidate closure and maintain a positive and professional relationship.

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7 Samples of Denial Emails After Interview

Thank You for Your Time

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview with us and for showcasing your skills. After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate who more closely aligns with our needs.

We encourage you to keep working hard towards your goals and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Thank you once again for considering this opportunity.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

We Found a Better Fit for the Position

Dear [Applicant Name],

We appreciate the time and effort you put into interviewing with us for the position. We carefully examined your qualifications and experience. However, after careful consideration, we have decided to select another candidate who would be a better fit for the position.

Please do not take this as a reflection of your qualifications because we do recognize your skills. We encourage you to keep up the good work and wish you the best of luck in your job search.

Thank you for considering us as an employer.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Position is No Longer Available

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview with us. We are grateful that you were interested in being part of our team. Unfortunately, the position has been filled, and we are no longer accepting applications at this time.

We were impressed by your experience, skills, and qualifications that you brought to the table. Keep up the excellent work, and we wish you success in your job search.

Again, we are grateful for your interest in joining our team and hope our paths cross in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Insufficient Experience to Meet Requirements

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in [Company Name]. We appreciate the time you took to interview with us and share your skills and knowledge. After a comprehensive evaluation of all candidates, we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you the position.

We have determined that your experience and qualifications may not meet the requirements for the position. Since we were impressed by your professionalism and enthusiasm, we highly recommend revisiting our career page for any new openings that fit with your skills and experience.

Thank you once again for applying to [Company Name].

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Needed Skill Set is Different

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in [Company Name] and for taking the time to meet with us. We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in the position. However, we are unable to offer you the position since we have chosen a candidate whose skill set matches our requirements more closely.

Your background and experience are impressive, and we encourage you to continue pursuing your career goals and applying for suitable positions. We appreciate your interest in our organization and encourage you to visit our career page for future opportunities.

Thank you again for considering us as an employer.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Internal Candidate Best Fits

Dear [Applicant Name],

Thank you for your interest in the position at [Company Name]. We appreciated your time, and efforts you put forth to prepare for and attend the interview. Unfortunately, we have decided against moving forward with your application as we have identified an internal candidate who is the best fit for the role.

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We encourage you to continue with your job search as we were impressed with your experience and qualifications. We believe that your qualities would be valuable to another potential employer.

Thank you once again for considering [Company Name] as a potential employer.

Kind Regards,

[Your Name]

Lack of Compatibility for Organizational Culture

Dear [Applicant Name],

We want to thank you for your interest in working with [Company Name]. After careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with your application for the position as we do not believe that it would be a mutually beneficial fit in terms of organizational culture.

We appreciate your time and effort in applying for the position, and we wish you the best of luck in your career. We encourage you to continue seeking job opportunities that are better suited to your needs and preferences. We do want to note that we were impressed with your qualifications and experience.

Thank you again for your interest in [Company Name].

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Crafting a Sample Denial Email after an Interview

As a hiring manager or recruitment specialist, one of the most challenging aspects of your job is letting a candidate know they did not get the job. Although it’s not an easy task, it’s crucial to deliver the news courteously and professionally to maintain the company’s reputation and the candidate’s morale. Here are some tips to keep in mind while crafting a sample denial email after an interview:

1. Be Prompt: Once you’ve made the final decision not to hire the candidate, don’t delay the communication. Being prompt builds a positive impression of the company, and as a professional, it’s your responsibility to let the candidate know as soon as possible.

2. Use a Professional Tone: The candidate has gone through the entire recruitment process with your company, and you don’t want to ruin their experience with an unprofessional email. Use a respectful, professional, and empathetic tone that reflects your company’s values.

3. Avoid Being Evasive: You should let the candidate know where they stand and why you chose another candidate over them. Being evasive and hiding behind general terms will only make your company look bad. For example, instead of saying the candidate wasn’t a good fit, say something like, “The candidate had excellent qualifications; however, we had a more suitable candidate for this position.”

4. Provide Feedback: If the candidate asks for feedback, provide it graciously. Although it’s not always necessary to give feedback, there may be instances when it’s appropriate and helpful to the job-seeking candidate. Constructive feedback can help the candidate understand their strengths and weaknesses, which they can work on to be more successful in their next job application.

5. End on a Positive Note: End on a sincere note of gratitude, wishing the candidate well in their future endeavors. You don’t want to end the communication on a sour note and ruin the candidate’s impression of your company.

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By following these tips, you can craft an effective sample denial email that delivers the news respectfully and professionally. Not only will it reassure the candidate that your company has high standards of professionalism, but it will also ensure that they don’t feel discouraged to apply for future positions within the company or recommend your company to their network.

FAQs for Sample Denial Email After Interview


What is a sample denial email after an interview?

A sample denial email after an interview is a template used to inform an applicant that they were not selected for a job position.

Why do companies send sample denial emails?

Companies send sample denial emails to inform applicants that they were not selected, to offer feedback on the interview, and to promote professionalism.

What should I include in a sample denial email?

A sample denial email should include professional and courteous language, a sincere thank you to the applicant for interviewing, feedback on the interview process, and an explanation as to why the applicant was not selected.

How soon should I send a sample denial email after an interview?

It is recommended to send a sample denial email within 24-48 hours after the interview to show professionalism and respect for the applicant’s time.

Do I need to offer feedback in a sample denial email?

While it’s not required by law to offer feedback in a sample denial email, it’s beneficial to the applicant as it helps them improve for future interviews.

What should I avoid including in a sample denial email?

Avoid including negative or hurtful comments, personal opinions, and anything that could be considered discriminatory or biased.

Can I personalize a sample denial email?

Yes, it’s recommended to personalize a sample denial email to show sincerity and respect for the applicant’s time and effort.

How can I soften the blow of a sample denial email?

You can soften the blow of a sample denial email by being sympathetic, offering constructive feedback, and wishing the applicant success in future endeavors.

Can I ask the applicant to reapply in a sample denial email?

Yes, you can ask the applicant to reapply in a sample denial email if you see potential in their future job applications.

What should I do after sending a sample denial email?

After sending a sample denial email, it’s essential to maintain a professional relationship with the applicant by keeping communication lines open and respecting their privacy.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking the time to read about the sample denial email after interview. We hope you found this information helpful, whether you’re a job seeker or a hiring manager. Remember, rejection is a natural part of the job search process and it’s important to keep your head up and continue moving forward. Don’t forget to visit our website again for more job search tips and tricks. Good luck with your job search!

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