Best examples of job rejection follow-up responses | examples you can copy

Real-world examples of job rejection follow-up responses you can actually use

Let’s skip the theory and get straight into examples of job rejection follow-up responses you can borrow. Then we’ll break down why they work and how to tweak them for your situation.

Think of these as templates, not scripts. You’ll sound more genuine if you adjust the tone to match how you normally write and how formal the company is.

Short and polite: example of a simple job rejection follow-up

Sometimes you don’t need a long message. If the interview was brief or the role wasn’t your dream job, a short, respectful reply is enough.

Subject: Thank you for the update

Email example:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision and for considering my application for the [Job Title] position. I appreciated the chance to learn more about [Company Name] and the team.

I wish you and the new hire all the best. I’d be glad to stay in touch in case there’s a future role that’s a better fit.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples to use when you want to:

• Acknowledge the rejection gracefully.
• Keep the relationship warm.
• Avoid sounding pushy or disappointed.

You’re signaling maturity and professionalism without asking for anything extra.

Warm and memorable: example of a follow-up that keeps the door open

If you liked the company and could see yourself working there later, use a slightly more detailed note. This is an example of a message that reinforces your interest.

Subject: Appreciated our conversation

Email example:

Hi [Name],

I appreciate you letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] role. While I’m disappointed not to be moving forward, I truly enjoyed our conversations about [specific project, product, or topic].

I remain very interested in [Company Name] and the work your team is doing in [area/industry focus]. If a position opens up in the future that aligns with my background in [your key skills], I’d be grateful to be considered.

Thanks again for your time and for sharing insight into the team and culture. I hope our paths cross again.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of those examples of job rejection follow-up responses that quietly says, “I’m still interested, and I’m worth remembering,” without sounding needy.

Asking for feedback: examples include short and longer versions

Not every recruiter or manager can give feedback (some companies have policies against it), but asking politely can pay off. A study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows millions of hires and separations every month; a little feedback can help you stand out in your next round.

Here are two examples of how to ask.

Short feedback request example

Hi [Name],

Thanks again for considering me for the [Job Title] role and for letting me know about your decision. I enjoyed meeting you and the team.

If you’re able to share any brief feedback on my interview or application, I’d really appreciate it as I continue my search and work on improving.

Thanks again for your time,
[Your Name]

Slightly more detailed feedback request example

Hi [Name],

I appreciate the update and your consideration for the [Job Title] position. While I’m disappointed, I truly valued the opportunity to interview and learn more about [Company Name].

As I continue to grow in [your field], I’m always trying to improve. If you’re able to share any specific feedback on my interview performance or areas where another candidate was stronger, I’d be grateful. I completely understand if company policy doesn’t allow for that.

Thanks again for the time and insight you and the team shared.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

These examples of job rejection follow-up responses work because they:

• Respect the hiring manager’s time.
• Acknowledge that feedback might not be possible.
• Frame your request as part of your growth, not as an argument.

If you do get feedback, treat it like gold. Use it to adjust your interview prep, maybe even with help from resources like university career centers (many share free advice, such as Harvard’s Office of Career Services).

When you really want to stay in the pipeline: future-opportunity example

Let’s say you truly clicked with the team, but they chose someone with slightly more experience. You can send a follow-up that clearly positions you for future openings.

Subject: Thank you – and interest in future roles

Email example:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] role. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about how your team is approaching [specific initiative, technology, or challenge].

I remain very interested in [Company Name]. If you feel my background in [2–3 key strengths] could be a fit for future opportunities on your team, I’d welcome the chance to stay in touch or be considered down the road.

Either way, I appreciate the time you and the team invested in the process and wish you continued success with [relevant project or goal].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of a job rejection follow-up response for candidates who see this company as a long-term target.

After a late-stage rejection: empathetic, senior-level example

If you went through multiple rounds or were a finalist, your follow-up can be a bit more reflective and specific. Senior-level candidates often use messages like this.

Subject: Thank you for the opportunity

Email example:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the update and for the opportunity to go through the full interview process for the [Job Title] role. I appreciated the thoughtful conversations with you, [names of 1–2 other interviewers], and the broader team.

While I’m naturally disappointed not to be moving forward, I remain impressed by [Company Name]’s strategy in [area] and the culture you’re building. I’d welcome the chance to stay on your radar for future leadership roles that align with my background in [your domain].

Wishing you and the team continued success, and please feel free to reach out if I can ever be a resource.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Among the many examples of job rejection follow-up responses, this one stands out for senior roles because it:

• Acknowledges the depth of the process.
• Speaks peer-to-peer, not from a place of insecurity.
• Offers value (“be a resource”) instead of just asking.

When you realize the role wasn’t quite right: gracious exit example

Sometimes, after the interviews, you realize the job wasn’t as good a fit as you hoped—even if they’d chosen you, you might have said no. You can still respond in a way that protects the relationship.

Email example:

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] position. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you and the team and to learn more about the role.

Our conversations confirmed for me that I’m looking for something slightly different in my next step, but I’m very glad I had the chance to connect and understand more about the work you’re doing at [Company Name].

I wish you and the new hire every success, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

This is one of the more subtle examples of job rejection follow-up responses. You’re:

• Staying honest about fit without criticizing the company.
• Leaving the door open for future collaboration.
• Showing maturity about career choices.

LinkedIn message example after a job rejection

Not every follow-up has to be an email. Many 2024–2025 hiring processes blend email and LinkedIn. If the hiring manager or recruiter seemed active on LinkedIn, sending a short note there can keep you visible.

LinkedIn message example:

Hi [Name], thanks again for considering me for the [Job Title] role and for taking the time to speak with me. I enjoyed learning more about your work at [Company Name].

Even though I wasn’t selected, I’d love to stay connected here and keep up with what your team is doing. Wishing you and the new hire all the best.

– [Your Name]

This is one of the best examples to:

• Turn a one-time interview into an ongoing connection.
• Keep your name in their network for future roles.

Just make sure you’ve already replied to the rejection email first; then send this as a lighter follow-up.

How to write your own job rejection follow-up (using these examples as a guide)

Now that you’ve seen several examples of job rejection follow-up responses, let’s pull out the pattern so you can mix and match.

Most strong follow-ups include:

A clear thank-you.
You’re recognizing the time they spent reviewing your application and interviewing you.

A brief acknowledgment of the decision.
No drama, no guilt-tripping. Just a simple line: “Thank you for letting me know about your decision.”

A positive note about the experience.
Mention something specific: a project you discussed, the culture, or a product you admired. Specifics make you memorable.

Optional: a request or next step.
Examples include asking for feedback, expressing interest in future roles, or suggesting you stay in touch.

A professional, warm sign-off.
“Best regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Best” all work well.

If you look back at each example of a job rejection follow-up response above, you’ll see those five elements repeating in different flavors.

Timing, tone, and trends for 2024–2025

A few quick guidelines to match current hiring norms:

Timing:
Reply within 24 hours of receiving the rejection. It shows respect and keeps the interaction fresh.

Tone:
Aim for calm, appreciative, and confident. The examples of job rejection follow-up responses in this guide avoid over-apologizing or oversharing. You’re disappointed, not devastated.

Remote and hybrid hiring:
With remote roles still common in 2024–2025, you may never meet the team in person. Your written communication carries extra weight. Thoughtful follow-ups can make you stand out among candidates they only saw in a video tile.

Mental health and resilience:
Job searching can be exhausting. Organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health offer guidance on coping with stress and uncertainty. Taking care of yourself between interviews actually improves your performance in the next one.

Common mistakes to avoid in your follow-up

Even the best examples of job rejection follow-up responses won’t help if you accidentally send something that sounds bitter or demanding. Watch out for:

Arguing with the decision.
Anything like “I think you made a mistake” or “I was clearly the best fit” will burn the bridge immediately.

Oversharing your frustration.
You can vent to friends, not to the hiring manager. Your message should read as steady and professional.

Sending multiple follow-ups.
One thoughtful reply to the rejection is enough. You can connect on LinkedIn, but don’t keep nudging them about that particular role.

Copy-pasting without editing.
Use these examples of job rejection follow-up responses as starting points, but always customize names, details, and tone.

FAQ: examples of job rejection follow-up responses and best practices

How long should a job rejection follow-up email be?
Most of the best examples are 3–6 short sentences. Long essays are harder to read and can feel like you’re trying to re-argue your case.

Is it okay to ask for feedback after a rejection?
Yes, as long as you’re polite and understand they may say no. The feedback-request templates above give an example of how to phrase it in a low-pressure way.

Can following up after a rejection really lead to a future job?
Absolutely. Many hiring managers keep a mental (and literal) list of strong runners-up. If you respond well, you’re more likely to be contacted for a later opening. Career centers and HR research, such as guidance from SHRM, often highlight how important candidate experience and relationships are over time.

Should I follow up after a rejection for an entry-level role?
Yes. Even early in your career, sending a short note like the first example of a follow-up message helps you start building a professional network. That same manager may move to another company and remember you.

Do I need to respond to every rejection email?
You don’t have to, but it’s smart to respond when you’ve interviewed with a human being. If it was just an automated rejection after an online application, you can usually skip it. For any role where you spoke with someone, pick one of the examples of job rejection follow-up responses above and send a quick, gracious reply.

Rejection will always sting, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. With these real examples of job rejection follow-up responses, you can turn a “no” into a professional, lasting impression—and sometimes, into the next opportunity that finally fits.