Best examples of rejection response email examples for job applications

Short, professional examples of rejection response email examples for job applications

Let’s start with the situation most people face: you applied, you interviewed (maybe), and now you’ve just received a polite “no.” You want to acknowledge it without writing a novel.

Here’s a short example of a response that works well when you weren’t deeply invested in the role or didn’t go through a long interview process:

Subject: Re: Application for Marketing Coordinator

Email:
Thank you for letting me know about your decision.

I appreciate the time you and your team took to review my application for the Marketing Coordinator role. I enjoyed learning more about your brand and the work you’re doing in digital campaigns.

Please keep my information on file for any future roles that may be a better fit.

Best regards,
Jordan Lee

This is one of the best examples of a simple, respectful rejection response: it’s brief, polite, and leaves the door open.

Longer, relationship-building examples of rejection response email examples for job applications

Sometimes you’ve invested several interviews, maybe even a presentation or case study. In that case, a more thoughtful email can help you build a long-term relationship with the hiring manager.

Here’s a more detailed example of a rejection response email after multiple interview rounds:

Subject: Thank you for the opportunity – Senior Data Analyst

Email:
Hi Morgan,

Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the Senior Data Analyst position.

While I’m disappointed not to be moving forward, I truly appreciated the chance to meet you and the team and to learn more about how you’re using data to support product decisions. Our conversation about experiment design and A/B testing was especially helpful as I think about my next role.

I’m still very interested in [Company Name] and would love to stay in touch in case a future opportunity aligns more closely with my experience in customer analytics and experimentation.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best,
Alex Martinez

This is a clear example of a rejection response email that does three things at once: it shows maturity, highlights a specific part of the conversation, and signals continued interest without sounding pushy.

Networking-focused examples of rejection response email examples for job applications

In 2024–2025, a lot of hiring happens through relationships and referrals, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. A rejection can be the start of that relationship if you respond well.

Here is an example of a rejection response email that intentionally leans into networking:

Subject: Thanks & would love to stay connected

Email:
Hi Priya,

Thank you for letting me know about your decision on the Product Manager role.

I really enjoyed our conversation about your roadmap and how you’re approaching customer discovery. Although this role wasn’t the right fit, I’m very interested in the work your team is doing and would love to stay on your radar for future product roles.

If you’re open to it, I’d be glad to connect on LinkedIn and continue following your work.

Thanks again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
Taylor Brooks

This is one of the best examples of turning a rejection into an ongoing connection. You’re not asking for anything big—just a LinkedIn connection and future consideration.

Examples include asking (politely) for feedback

Not every hiring manager can give feedback—many companies avoid it for legal reasons. But in smaller organizations or after late-stage interviews, a gentle request can sometimes get you helpful insight.

Here’s an example of a rejection response email that includes a feedback request without sounding demanding:

Subject: Thank you – and quick follow‑up question

Email:
Hi Chris,

Thank you for letting me know about your decision on the HR Business Partner role, and for the opportunity to interview with you and the panel.

Although I’m disappointed, I appreciated learning more about your culture and your approach to supporting managers. It gave me a lot to think about as I continue my search.

If you’re able to share any brief feedback on my interview or areas where I could strengthen my candidacy for similar roles, I’d be very grateful. I completely understand if your policies don’t allow for this.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Morgan Carter

This example of a rejection response email shows respect for boundaries while still opening the door to feedback.

For context, many employers follow guidelines similar to those discussed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission when it comes to hiring and documentation:
https://www.eeoc.gov/employers
That’s part of why some are cautious about providing detailed candidate feedback.

Examples of rejection response email examples for job applications when you’re still very interested

Sometimes, you get rejected for one role but would absolutely say yes to another opportunity at the same company. Your email can make that clear.

Here’s an example tailored to that situation:

Subject: Thank you – and continued interest in [Company Name]

Email:
Hi Dana,

Thank you for letting me know about your decision on the UX Designer position.

I really enjoyed learning more about your design system and how your team collaborates with engineering. Even though I wasn’t selected for this specific role, I remain very interested in [Company Name] and your product.

If roles open up that align more closely with my background in design systems and accessibility, I’d be excited to be considered. I’ve set up job alerts on your careers page and will continue to follow your work.

Thanks again for the opportunity and for a positive interview experience.

Warm regards,
Jamie Nguyen

This is one of those real examples that quietly says, “Don’t forget about me,” without sounding desperate.

Examples of rejection response email examples for job applications when you want to keep it very short

Not every situation calls for a detailed note. If you had minimal interaction with the company or you’re juggling a lot of applications, a two‑ or three‑sentence reply is perfectly fine.

Here’s a short example of a rejection response email that’s still professional:

Subject: Re: Application for Operations Associate

Email:
Hi Sam,

Thank you for letting me know about your decision. I appreciate your consideration and wish you and the team all the best.

Sincerely,
Riley

You’ve acknowledged their message, kept your reputation intact, and moved on. That’s a win.

Examples include responses after automated or AI-generated rejections

By 2024–2025, many companies are using automated systems or AI tools to filter resumes and send rejection emails. Those messages can feel cold, but your response doesn’t have to be.

Here’s an example of a rejection response email you might send after what is clearly an automated rejection, especially if you still want to connect with a human:

Subject: Interest in future roles – Software Engineer

Email:
Hello Hiring Team,

Thank you for the update regarding my application for the Software Engineer position.

I understand that you received many applications, and I appreciate being considered. I remain very interested in [Company Name], particularly your work in scalable backend systems.

If there’s a better‑suited role in the future, I’d be grateful to be considered. In the meantime, I’ll continue following your engineering blog and open roles.

Best regards,
Casey Jordan

This example of a rejection response email acknowledges the automated nature of the process without calling it out directly. It keeps things human and forward‑looking.

If you’re curious about how AI is changing hiring, organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) regularly publish research and guidance:
https://www.shrm.org

Examples of rejection response email examples for job applications when you decide not to pursue future roles

Sometimes an interview reveals that the company isn’t a fit for you—values, workload, leadership style, or compensation. You still want to respond professionally, but you don’t need to signal future interest.

Here’s an example tailored to that:

Subject: Thank you for the update

Email:
Hi Leslie,

Thank you for letting me know about your decision on the Sales Manager position.

I appreciate the time you and the team invested in the interview process and the opportunity to learn more about your sales organization.

Wishing you and your new hire every success.

Best,
Drew

Notice how this example of a rejection response email is warm and respectful, but it doesn’t mention future roles. That’s intentional.

How to adapt these examples of rejection response email examples for job applications

Templates are a starting point, not a script you must follow word‑for‑word. To make these examples work for you:

• Swap in specific details from your interview. Mention a project, product, or topic you discussed. A single concrete detail makes your email feel personal instead of copy‑pasted.
• Match the tone to the company. A startup that writes casually in its job posts can handle a slightly more relaxed tone. A large bank or government agency usually calls for a more formal style.
• Keep timing in mind. Reply within 24–48 hours. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their mind.
• Protect your energy. You don’t have to respond to every single automated rejection, especially if you never spoke with a human. Prioritize the companies and roles that matter most.

Career experts at places like the Harvard Office of Career Services often emphasize professionalism and gratitude in all job‑search communication, even after rejection:
https://ocs.fas.harvard.edu/interviewing

When you use these examples of rejection response email examples for job applications as a base and then layer on your own details, you end up with messages that sound like you—polished, thoughtful, and memorable.

FAQ: Real examples and best practices for rejection response emails

How long should a rejection response email be?
Most of the best examples are between two and eight sentences. Short and sincere beats long and rambling. If you had only minimal contact with the company, keep it to a few lines. If you went through multiple rounds, a slightly longer note makes sense.

Do I have to respond to every rejection email?
No. Focus on responding where you had meaningful interaction: interviews, recruiter calls, or personalized outreach. For high‑volume automated rejections, many candidates choose not to reply, and that’s fine.

Can you share an example of a very short rejection response email?
Yes. Something as simple as:
“Hi [Name],
Thank you for the update and for considering my application. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team all the best.
Best,
[Your Name]”
This is one of the cleanest examples of a quick yet professional reply.

Is it okay to ask for feedback after a rejection?
Yes, as long as you ask politely and acknowledge that they may not be able to respond. Some managers will ignore the request; others will share a short but helpful note. Don’t take silence personally—many organizations have policies that limit what they can say.

Can a good rejection response email really help me in the future?
Absolutely. Hiring managers remember candidates who handle disappointment with maturity. A thoughtful response can lead to referrals, future interviews, or even a different offer down the line. It’s not guaranteed, but many real examples from job seekers show that staying gracious pays off.

If you treat each rejection as one more professional interaction—not a verdict on your worth—you’ll write better emails, build a stronger network, and keep your confidence intact for the next opportunity.