Mail subject
Re your application to {1} for the role of {2}
Compliment template
Compliment the person on {1}.
Joined list of compliments — there is no particular reason so don’t justify why the candidate was selected or make up something vague yet respectful.
Already found a better candidate
because the company already found a more suitable candidate (although let’s not make them feel bad about it)
because they didn’t show sufficient skills for the position (although let’s not make them feel bad about it)
Education doesn’t suffice
because their education raised questions
Poorly presented themselves in an interview
because the person presented themselves poorly during interviews (although let’s not make them feel bad about it)
Application doesn’t match position (copy-paste?)
because the application they submitted clearly didn’t match the position
Low-effort/AI generated application
because the person clearly submitted a low-effort or an AI-generated application (call this out but don’t be too harsh about it)
because the person turned out to be completely inadequate (put it as mildly as possible to not offend the person)
Opening not relevant anymore
because the opening had already been closed (apologize for the fact that the submission form wasn’t properly closed and the applicant spent their time, and encourage them to check out other positions)
after examining the application
after an on-site interview
as the last minute decision (apologize for doing it after we’ve basically had a deal already)
Outstanding professional skills
outstanding professional skills
Great communication skills
great communication skills
Tell the candidate that if they believe the decision was unfair and the recruiter missed some info, they can appeal and send more details for a new review.
🤝 Can’t appeal but let’s stay in touch
Tell the candidate that while this decision is final, your company liked them and would like to stay in touch.
Tell the candidate the decision is final and they cannot appeal it.
Tell the candidate to not contact this company anymore, either for this position or any other.
Short
Keep the letter short, about one paragraph long.
Three paragraphs (recommended)
Make the letter about three paragraphs long.