Anyone good at writing rejection letters?

[y4m]

We're constantly hiring, so I can't exactly say we hired a more qualified candidate for the role.  This candidate was good but not great.  If I could just be honest, I'd basically say that we really liked this person, but we are holding out for great.  This person spent a lot of time with us, so I want to write a sentence or two more than just the standard "thanks for your time" - but how on earth do you phrase that?

[Balki.Bartokomous]

I'd probably stick to the standard "thanks for your time" on this. Nothing good can come of adding that bit about holding out for great regardless of how you wordsmith it.

However, if you want to take the time to help that person, then I'd call them & verbally give them that feedback that you feel the position needs a candidate with stronger skills in XYZ area than what that person offers.

[y4m]

Ugh yeah--there's probably no way to do it, but not doing it feels so form letter. I landed on something like "you were very impressive, but just not the right combination of skills we were looking for" - if he asks for feedback I'd be happy to give it to him over the phone, but I hate actually rejecting candidates by phone because they have to react in the moment.

Rejecting people who were good and worked hard but just weren't quite up to our super high standards is the worst.

[Pom]

Mar 23, 2015 19:12:46 GMT -5 Balki.Bartokomous said:

I'd probably stick to the standard "thanks for your time" on this. Nothing good can come of adding that bit about holding out for great regardless of how you wordsmith it.

However, if you want to take the time to help that person, then I'd call them & verbally give them that feedback that you feel the position needs a candidate with stronger skills in XYZ area than what that person offers.

Agree, except I'd wait for the candidate to call me and ask for feedback.  At that point, I'd be willing to verbally state the strengths needed to land the position.

[tacosforlife]

I wish I still had some of my old rejection letters. Man, I've gotten so many, and a few actually stood out as extra nice.

My first draft:

Dear Candidate:

Thank you very much for meeting with us. We were very impressed with your credentials, but unfortunately, we are unable to offer you a position at this time. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
y4m

[livinitup]

It's nice that you're actually writing anything. Simple is fine and best.

[macmars45]

I've gotten exactly one rejection call from a prospective employer. It was great. She told me I was a great candidate with strong skills and they only went with the other candidate because they had more experience. Since I'd been underemployed for 3 years at the point it felt good that someone thought I was a strong candidate. I ended up interviewing and being hired a few weeks later for a job at my current school in my district and I'm still there almost 3 years later although in a different position than I started out in.

I valued that call way more than the many rejection emails and letters.

[v]

I'd stick with your standard rejection spiel (which is how the emails suggested above read to me, honestly. if I got any of those, I'd assume it was the same email that was sent to every other candidate). If he's good but you're holding out for great, there's no reason to get his hopes up that a future position would work out. I'd imagine in the future you'll still be looking for great.

[zitiqueen]

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