Practical advice for rejecting a job candidate politely and professionally, with tips for clear communication and preserving goodwill for the future.
It is not easy to turn down a job candidate. You were once a job candidate yourself, and you know how much effort the applicant has put into composing his application letter and preparing his resume. But as they say, “someone has got to do the job.”
Here are some useful tips for turning down a job candidate:
- Decide to tell the job candidate that you cannot hire him. The worst thing you can do is beat around the bush and lead him to believe that he is still being considered for the job. Do not give him false hope; that would only add insult to injury or rub salt into an open wound, leaving him hanging for no reason. Tell him outright, but in a courteous and respectful manner.
- Show appreciation for his application. Tell the job candidate that you are glad he is interested in working with your company. Go straight to the point and say: “We appreciate your application and your interest in working with us. Unfortunately, there were many other applicants for the job, and as you can see, competition was stiff for this particular position. I am sorry to say that a few other candidates are better qualified for the available posts.”
- As you turn him down, tell him he is not the only one who received a rejection letter.
- Inform the job candidate that if a time comes when the company needs his services, he will be contacted immediately, and perhaps he can work with you if he is still available.
- Do not insult the job candidate. No matter how unqualified he may be for the position, do not say so to his face.
- Send a well-written rejection letter that is subtle but direct. Indicate in the letter that your company can hire only a limited number of applicants and that you do not need his services at this time. Tell him too that you are keeping his profile and resume for future reference in case a time comes when you can hire him for the position he applied for.
- Give him advice. Say politely that his resume needs to be improved or that he should take additional units in certain subject areas to increase his chances of employment.
- Encourage him to send his application to other companies. Recommend companies that are also in need of people to fill positions with a job description similar to the one he applied for in your company.
It is wise to keep the job candidate’s application and resume. These records can be used in the future for possible employment or recommendations. Though you turned him down, do not completely dismiss the possibility that you may need his services in the future.
How to Turn Down a Job Candidate
Practical advice for rejecting a job candidate politely and professionally, with tips for clear communication and preserving goodwill for the future.
It is not easy to turn down a job candidate. You were once a job candidate yourself, and you know how much effort the applicant has put into composing his application letter and preparing his resume. But as they say, “someone has got to do the job.”
Here are some useful tips for turning down a job candidate:
- Decide to tell the job candidate that you cannot hire him. The worst thing you can do is beat around the bush and lead him to believe that he is still being considered for the job. Do not give him false hope; that would only add insult to injury or rub salt into an open wound, leaving him hanging for no reason. Tell him outright, but in a courteous and respectful manner.
- Show appreciation for his application. Tell the job candidate that you are glad he is interested in working with your company. Go straight to the point and say: “We appreciate your application and your interest in working with us. Unfortunately, there were many other applicants for the job, and as you can see, competition was stiff for this particular position. I am sorry to say that a few other candidates are better qualified for the available posts.”
- As you turn him down, tell him he is not the only one who received a rejection letter.
- Inform the job candidate that if a time comes when the company needs his services, he will be contacted immediately, and perhaps he can work with you if he is still available.
- Do not insult the job candidate. No matter how unqualified he may be for the position, do not say so to his face.
- Send a well-written rejection letter that is subtle but direct. Indicate in the letter that your company can hire only a limited number of applicants and that you do not need his services at this time. Tell him too that you are keeping his profile and resume for future reference in case a time comes when you can hire him for the position he applied for.
- Give him advice. Say politely that his resume needs to be improved or that he should take additional units in certain subject areas to increase his chances of employment.
- Encourage him to send his application to other companies. Recommend companies that are also in need of people to fill positions with a job description similar to the one he applied for in your company.
It is wise to keep the job candidate’s application and resume. These records can be used in the future for possible employment or recommendations. Though you turned him down, do not completely dismiss the possibility that you may need his services in the future.
How to Turn Down a Job Candidate
By Howtodotips
Practical advice for rejecting a job candidate politely and professionally, with tips for clear communication and preserving goodwill for the future.