Learning How to Respond to a Rejection Email: With Examples

Every one of us sooner or later goes through a negative experience caused by job rejection. You are looking up for proper job vacancies and sending your resumes all over the place. If you are lucky, you have some interviews to go through, maybe even pass a few rounds. And finally, you have found a letter in your inbox! Unfortunately, it is a rejection. What’s next? Should you write a response and how to respond to a rejection email? Should you note anything important there? Our experts are here to help you out.

You Have Received a Rejection Email

This is one of those future determining job emails. You just can’t deny that. There is no way this email won’t affect your life. For some people, it may change the entire direction they have decided to move their life to. Please, be sure it is also a tough job to write a rejection letter either.

Now it is time to open it and read. There are lots of kind and even fancy words but in the end, all of them are screaming just about one. You are not hired for the job. Rejection is something hard to accept even if you didn’t count on anything. It is unpleasant and even tough experience, especially if you were expecting a positive response from your dream job.

The disappointment coming after such a job email may bring you down hard. Of course, there will be other chances to get a job but now it means you need to start everything from a blank page. All the negative emotions following such bad news overflow you. You are asking why and probably never will get an answer.

Some people are screaming and crying. While kicking some furniture and stuff in your apartment, you just want to know why they have rejected you. You don’t see any obvious reason why you should thank those people and even write them after that. But, for sure, there is a couple of reasons why you should take your time, calm down, and write a polite answer to a negative email.

Why Writing a Respond to a Rejection Email

Definitely, writing an answer to a job rejection email may seem as you are thanking a person for beating you up. But we want to assure you there is no reason to be rude. You need to clearly realize there is still a future for you with that certain company. Yes, even if they have rejected you, there is a chance you will get the job in the future.

A great number of companies offers the job to those applicants received rejection letters before. Companies always keep your contacts, especially if your specialization is rare. If they do not need you today, it doesn’t mean they will seek for you tomorrow. And this is the best part. This is the time of your job triumph.

Besides, managers often communicate with each other and share contacts of those applicants rejected by them. Those people may be a perfect fit for other companies. So, you need to create a good impression even after they have passed you over. Be polite and just show your professionalism, at least in your response while no one sees you cry at home.

The way you answer such an email may affect your entire future with that certain company and with dozens of others. Just calm down and avoid any emotional reactions. Try to underline your interest and respect for the company in your letter. It will be a great bridge between you and them for your future relationships. You can even write an outline. 

Example of How to Respond to Rejection Email

Now you need to commit a compromise with your ego. Please, do not consider it to be something attacking your dignity. It is a usual thing for business communication and it should go like this:

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. First Name Last Name,

Thank you for your response. It was so kind of you to meet me and spend your time to discuss my future job in your company. I appreciate your time and help. It was a great opportunity to share my experience and learn more about your company. Let me note that our goals are similar and we are looking in the same direction.

I am disappointed that my skills and experience are not exactly what you are looking for at the moment but I hope there is still an option for our cooperation in the future. Please be sure to contact me as soon as another appropriate position will be available. I would highly appreciate.

Thanks again and wish you all the best in achieving your goals.

With regards,
Your Name

Phrases to Avoid

A response letter is not the place to express your negative emotions and business communication, in general, should not contain any too bright emotions, neither negative nor positive.

It is clear you are upset you didn’t get the job but now you need to show you are a serious, poised, and responsible person. Tell to a friend about your negative emotions but stay calm while communicating with an employer.

Here are a few main phrases you need to avoid while writing your job answer:

• Why…?
• You hurt me!
• Oh, you don’t know what you are losing!
• Well, don’t dare to contact me after that.
• It was a mistake.
• Are you kidding me?

Well, and everything like that. You get the idea, right? Business communication only and keep those negative emotions for your close friends. Be professional. You may write your response after the storm of your emotions calms down. So, consider a day or even two to wait. If after this time you still can’t force yourself to write a letter, it is better not to write anything at all. This is not a high school anymore so you should take decisions by yourself. 

Bottom Line

Your future is other people’s hands so you should teach yourself to be polite and respectful. Otherwise, it is very easy to burn all the bridges around. In case, you are looking for help with writing such a letter, our experts are 24/7 to your service.