Job application rejection email template

Use this job application rejection email template to inform candidates who’ve applied for one of your open roles that they will not advance to the next stage of your hiring process.

Avoid leaving job applicants guessing. When you screen candidates, make sure to inform those who don’t qualify that they will not move forward and thank them for their application. Communicate promptly during all your hiring stages to build a more positive candidate experience.

If you’re rejecting applicants you haven’t interviewed, it’s best to keep your email simple and brief. Thank them for considering your company and prompt them to apply again in the future, if you think they might qualify for another job opening. Keep your tone professional yet polite, so that you turn down candidates without burning bridges.

Email Subject Line: Your application to [Company_name] / Application for the [Job_title] position

Dear [Candidate_name],

Thank you for taking the time to consider [Company_name]. Our hiring team reviewed your application and we’d like to inform you that we are not able to advance you to the next round for the [Job_title] position at this time [it’s best to explain why, e.g. as we are looking with someone more experience in X.]

We encourage you to apply again in the future, if you find an open role at our company that suits you.

Thank you again for applying to [Company_name] and we wish you all the best in your job search.

Regards,

[Your name]
[Your email signature]

More resources:

• Late-stage candidate rejection email template
• Post-interview rejection letter sample
• Why employers should always send rejection letters to job candidates