The Ultimate Rejection Email Template Before Interview: How to Decline Candidates Professionally

Have you ever been left hanging after submitting an application for a job? It’s the worst feeling. You spend hours crafting the perfect resume, honing your cover letter, and doing research into the company’s values and culture, only to receive a rejection email template before the interview. It’s discouraging, and it might even make you feel like giving up on job hunting altogether.

But fear not! Rejection is a natural part of the job-search process, and it’s a learning opportunity. That said, there are ways to take the sting out of a rejection email, and one of them is having a well-crafted rejection email template on hand.

The good news is that you don’t have to start from scratch. You can find examples of rejection email templates on the internet and edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.
In this article, we’ll explore why having a rejection email template is useful, what to include in your template, and how to handle rejection like a pro. So grab a coffee, take a seat, and let’s dive in!

The Best Structure for a Rejection Email Template Before an Interview

Sending a rejection email to candidates before conducting an interview is a sensitive task. While it may seem like an unnecessary effort, it’s important to maintain a professional and respectful demeanor in every interaction with prospective candidates. A rejection email that is well-structured and thoughtfully crafted can leave a positive impression on candidates and enhance your company’s reputation.

So, what is the best structure for a rejection email template before an interview? Here are some tips to consider:

1. Start with A Personal Greeting

It’s important to open the email on a warm note. Begin the email by thanking the candidate for their interest in your company and for taking the time to apply. Use their name in the greeting to add a personal touch to the message.

2. Express Appreciation and Regret

Next, express your appreciation for the candidate’s effort in applying for the position. Let them know that they are valued and that their application was carefully considered. This sets a positive tone for the conversation, even if it’s not the result the candidate was hoping for.

Additionally, it’s important to convey your regret that they were not selected to move forward in the hiring process. This acknowledges their efforts while being honest about the outcome.

3. Offer Feedback or Encouragement

Offering feedback or encouragement can provide valuable insight to the candidate and can help them improve for future job opportunities. Let them know the reasons for which they were not selected, whether it is a lack of experience or a skill set mismatch, or simply that there were other highly qualified candidates that were selected instead. This feedback can help the candidate understand what they can work on to enhance their chances in the future. Alternatively, you can offer words of encouragement and instill confidence in their abilities.

4. Finish on a Positive Note

Conclude the email on a positive and appreciative note. Reiterate your appreciation for the candidate’s interest and emphasize that they are welcome to apply for any future opportunities that arise. This leaves a positive impression on the candidate and can potentially lead to a positive engagement with your company in the future.

Overall, constructing a well-written and structured rejection email is a small step that can go a long way in establishing a positive tone and nurturing relationships with prospective candidates.

Rejection Email Templates Before Interview for Different Reasons

Apology Letter for Postponing the Interview Due to Unexpected Circumstances

Dear [Candidate Name],

I regret to inform you that we have to postpone the interview scheduled for [date and time] due to unexpected circumstances. We understand that this may cause inconvenience, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. We value your time and appreciate your interest in the position.

We will contact you soon to reschedule the interview. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting you soon and discussing your qualifications for the position in detail.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Rejecting the Application Due to Lack of Qualifications

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for your interest in the [Position] that we advertised. We appreciate the time and effort you put forth in applying for the position. However, after careful consideration of your application, we regret to inform you that we are unable to move forward with your candidacy.

Our team reviewed your application thoroughly, and while your credentials and qualifications are impressive, we found that your experience and skills did not match our current needs for the position. Please do not feel discouraged as we encourage you to continue pursuing growth opportunities and advancing your career.

We want to thank you once again for considering our organization and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. We hope you will keep us in mind for future opportunities that match your qualifications.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Apology Letter for Rejecting the Application Due to Overwhelming Response

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for taking an interest in the [Position] at our organization. We are pleased to inform you that we received a significant number of qualified candidates for the position, which made it challenging to select only a few to move forward with in the hiring process. Our team reviewed your application carefully, and while your qualifications were impressive, we decided to move ahead with another candidate.

We are aware of the time and resources it takes to apply for a job and attending the interview, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. Please do not be discouraged and keep applying for other opportunities that align with your qualifications and goals. We appreciate your time and effort and wish you all the best for your future endeavors.

Thank you for considering our organization as a potential employer.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Applying to Wrong Position

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for your application for the position of [Position] at our organization. We appreciate your interest and time in applying for our organization. Upon review of your application, we noticed that you applied for [Position] instead of [Position].

Even though your qualifications are impressive, we are unable to consider your application for the position you applied for. We encourage you to keep an eye on new opportunities that match your qualifications and interests, and we look forward to your application.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in our organization.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Apology Letter for Rejecting the Application Due to Redundancy

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for your interest in the [Position] at our organization. We appreciate your time and effort in applying for the position. After reviewing your application, we have decided not to move forward with your candidacy. This decision has been made because of redundancy in our organization, and we have decided to hire internally for the position.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused, and we appreciate your interest and time in our organization. We encourage you to find growth opportunities that align with your qualifications and experiences, and we wish you the best for your future endeavors.

Thank you for considering our organization for your career development.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Rejecting the Application Due to Lack of Experience

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for your interest in the [Position] that we advertised. We appreciate your time and effort in applying for the position. After reviewing your application, we have decided not to move forward with your candidacy. This decision has been made because of a lack of experience in the areas required for the [Position].

Please do not be discouraged, and we encourage you to continue pursuing growth opportunities and advancing your career. We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in working with our organization, and we wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Thank you for considering our organization for your career development.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Regret Letter for Rejecting the Application Due to Salary Expectations

Dear [Candidate Name],

Thank you for your interest in the [Position] at our organization. We appreciate your time and effort in applying for the position. After reviewing your application and considering the salary expectations mentioned, we have decided not to move forward with your candidacy. This decision has been made because we are unable to offer the compensation you expect, given our current budget and pay structure.

Please do not be discouraged, and we encourage you to continue pursuing growth opportunities and advancing your career. We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in working with our organization, and we wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Thank you for considering our organization for your career development.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Rejection Email Template Before Interview

Writing a rejection email can be a tough job, especially when you are rejecting someone before an interview. However, it is an important task that must be executed properly in order to respect the applicant’s time and effort and maintain a positive reputation for your company. Here are some tips to help you write a rejection email template before an interview:

  • Be clear and concise: The email should clearly state that the candidate’s application has been rejected, and you should be respectful when delivering the news. Keep your email concise and straight to the point, without going into too much detail.
  • Keep it positive: Where possible, express your appreciation for the candidate’s time and effort and thank them for their interest in your company. A little positivity can go a long way in creating a good impression.
  • Provide feedback: Where appropriate, give the candidate some constructive feedback on why their application was unsuccessful. This can help them improve their skills and make a better impression with future job applications.
  • Avoid apologizing: While you may regret that the candidate was not successful, apologizing can imply that there was something wrong with their application. Remember, there may be a number of factors that led to the rejection decision, and it’s important not to take too much responsibility for something that was ultimately beyond your control.
  • Avoid giving false hope: Sometimes, a candidate may ask for feedback with an aim to gain clarity about what went wrong. Be honest and direct. Don’t give a candidate false hope, if there isn’t any. Give an objective and factual feedback about their application.

When writing a rejection email before an interview process, you should keep in mind that while delivering a negative message, you should make the candidate feel respected all the while. Communicate the message clearly and don’t beat around the bush. Provide feedback wherever necessary and maintain a respectful tone throughout the email. With these tips, you can help ensure that your rejection email is professional and considerate.

FAQs about Rejection Email Template before Interview


What is a rejection email template before an interview?

A rejection email template before an interview is a pre-written email that informs an applicant that they have not been selected for an interview.

Why do companies use a rejection email template before an interview?

Companies use a rejection email template before an interview to notify applicants quickly and efficiently, while preserving the company’s professional image.

When would I receive a rejection email template before an interview?

You may receive a rejection email template before an interview if the company has already reviewed your application and resume, and determined that you are not a good match for the position.

What should I do if I receive a rejection email template before an interview?

You do not need to respond to a rejection email template before an interview; you can simply thank the company for considering your application and move on.

Can I ask for feedback after receiving a rejection email template before an interview?

Yes, you may ask for feedback, but keep in mind that companies are not obligated to provide specific reasons for not selecting you for an interview.

Is it appropriate to inquire about other job openings after receiving a rejection email template?

Yes, you may inquire about other job openings after receiving a rejection email template if you believe you may be a better fit for another position.

Will receiving a rejection email template before an interview prevent me from applying for future positions with the same company?

No, receiving a rejection email template before an interview should not prevent you from applying for future positions with the same company.

Can I still reapply for the same position after receiving a rejection email template before an interview?

Yes, you may still reapply for the same position after receiving a rejection email template before an interview if the company invites you to do so or if the application process allows it.

Should I take a rejection email template before an interview personally?

No, you should not take a rejection email template before an interview personally; there are many reasons why an applicant may not be selected for an interview, and it does not reflect on your abilities or worth as a person.

Say Goodbye for Now!

Well, we hope you found this informative and helpful! Remember, no one likes rejection, but it’s a part of life. By sending out these rejection email templates before an interview, you can be respectful of your candidate’s time and effort. And who knows – they might even appreciate the honest feedback.
Thanks for sticking with us until the end! We hope you’ll come back soon for more articles just like this one. Until then, keep following your dreams and don’t let rejection slow you down!