Have you ever received an email from a company after applying for a job that just said “Thank you for your interest”? Personally, it always left me feeling a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong – I know they’re trying to be polite. But it also felt like they were brushing me off without really saying why I didn’t get the job.
As someone who works in marketing and communications, I’ve sent out more than my fair share of these types of rejection emails. And you know what? I realized I could do better. People take the time to apply for jobs because they’re investing in their future – the least I could do was invest a little more effort into my reply. So I started getting creative with new ways to say “Thank you for your interest” that were a bit more thoughtful.
Other Ways to Say “Thank You For Your Interest”
- “We appreciate you taking the time to apply”
This acknowledges the applicant put effort into the application process. It’s more personalized than a generic thank you. - “Unfortunately, this role has been filled”
Getting right to the point that it was not a fit saves time for both parties. No false hope is given. - “While your background was compelling, we’ve decided to pursue other candidates”
This provides a little more context without being too formal. The applicant knows it wasn’t solely about their qualifications. - “We received an overwhelming number of stellar applications”
Sharing that there was high competition humanizes the process. Now they know it wasn’t personal or due to their resume. - “At this time, we don’t have an opening that matches your qualifications”
Being direct that the applicant was qualified but the timing wasn’t right leaves the door open for future applications. - “We appreciate you considering us as an employer”
Flips it to be about the company instead of just rejecting the applicant. More positive overall tone. - “We wish you the best of luck in your job search”
A simple closing message of encouragement and well-wishing goes a long way. - “We appreciate you taking the time to learn more about our company and opportunity. Your background displayed strong qualifications that were just not the best fit at this time.”
This phrase acknowledges while still leaving the door open. By noting their qualifications displayed strength but just not the best fit “at this time,” it implies the possibility of a future role down the line should their skills become more aligned with needs. This reassuring language helps soften the blow of rejection. - “Thank you for your enthusiasm in our work – it was clear from our conversation that you would have brought value. We wish you the best of luck in your career journey.”
Focusing on the candidate’s enthusiasm and conveying it was clear they would have brought value pivots the conversation to something positive the recruiter observed. Compliments like this help the applicant feel good about challenges they may have aced during the process, even if the overall answer is no. - “While we’re moving forward with other candidates, please know we were impressed by your demonstrated skills and experience. Your qualifications will serve you well as you continue your job search.”
This phrase stresses their qualifications themselves were not the issue – this is important in not damaging confidence. Directly saying the skills and experience represented will serve them well reinforces the candidate’s strengths and abilities rather than any perceived weakness on their part. Feeling equipped gives hope. - “We thank you for your active participation during the interview process. Although this role is filled, don’t lose sight of your potential – you represented yourself professionally.”
Thanking for active participation and professional representation provides solid closure for the experience. It acknowledges their investment yet frames the rejection as not a reflection of them specifically. Ending on this optimistic note of continued potential keeps rapport intact for the future.
- “We valued learning more about your work ethic and problem-solving approach during our discussions. While the team decided on a different fit this time, keep up that drive as it will take you far.”
This reinforces specific positives shown in the interview process and encourages the applicant to continue leveraging their strengths.
- “Your background aligns well with our long term vision. Although the immediate need has been filled, please stay connected as new opportunities may emerge.”
Keeping the door open optimistically hints that while today’s role is gone, the future remains uncertain – there’s potential for alignment down the road.
- “We were impressed by your insightful questions and dedication to continual learning. Those qualities will serve any employer well. Thank you for your interest in our mission.”
Calls out transferable “soft” skills and character traits that are valuable even if not a cultural match for the immediate job at hand.
- “While this role has been assigned, we appreciate you championing underrepresented voices like yours. Your passion remains an asset – continue lending it wherever you go.”
For candidates from marginalized groups,validating their identities and advocating role modeling can positively refocus what could otherwise feel like a dismissive experience.
The key is to make rejection emails feel thoughtful without adding unnecessary length or formality. A short, three sentence response that addresses why the applicant wasn’t selected and closes on an upbeat note works well.
Ghosting candidates should always be avoided – most people just want an explanation after investing their time and energy into the application process. A little empathy can go a long way in making applicants feel respected, even in rejection.
There’s no need to overthink rejection emails either. The goal is to not come across as abrupt or insincere. So trying different variations of phrases like “we regret to inform you” or “unfortunately we are unable to offer you the position” may end up sounding stilted. Keeping language simple yet personable is best. And remember – every applicant was once in the job seeker role too. So treat others the way you’d want to be treated in their shoes.
The applicant experience is a major factor in employer branding nowadays. How a company handles rejections, whether polite or rude, gets talked about online. People now turn to sites like Glassdoor to see reviews from former applicants, so treat all candidates well. You never know – that applicant who doesn’t get the job now may be in a position to refer your company for a new opportunity down the line. And hey, they also might become a customer too.
In the end, those extra thirty seconds spent personalizing a rejection email can pay off tenfold. So send off future “Thank you” messages with added care, courtesy and empathy. Your applicants and possibly even your business will thank you for it.
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