Receiving a rejection letter after a job interview can be disappointing, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world. One way to stand out and leave a good impression on the hiring manager is to send a thank you email for considering you for the position. Here’s how to write a professional and gracious thank you email for not getting the job.
Start your email with a brief thank you and mention the position you applied for. For example:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the [Position] role at [Company Name].
Explain that although you are disappointed you didn’t get the job, you appreciated the opportunity to interview and learn more about the company. Mention something specific you enjoyed about the interview or the company. For example:
Although I’m disappointed that I didn’t get the job, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for inviting me to interview for the position. I really enjoyed learning more about the company and the team, especially [specific thing you enjoyed].
I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to interview and for the time you spent discussing the position with me. I was impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of everyone I met during the interview process.
Tips for Writing a Thank You Email for Not Getting the Job
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing your thank you email:
1. Keep it brief
Your email should be short and to the point. Express your appreciation and move on. Don’t dwell on the rejection or try to change the manager’s mind.
2. Be gracious
A thank you email is not the place to criticize the company or the hiring manager. Be gracious and professional, even if you are disappointed.
3. Edit the examples
Below are some examples of thank you emails. You can use them as a guide, but make sure to personalize them and edit them to fit your specific situation.
Examples of Thank You Emails for Not Getting the Job
Example 1: No feedback
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Although I didn’t receive the position, I appreciate the opportunity to interview with you and the team.
Your company has an amazing reputation, and I was impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of everyone I met during the interview process. I am grateful for the experience and I hope to cross paths with you again in the future.
Thank you again for the opportunity.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Personalized feedback
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Although I didn’t receive the position, I appreciate the time you took to provide me with personalized feedback after the interview.
Your company has an amazing reputation, and I was impressed by the passion and dedication of everyone I met during the interview process. I am grateful for the experience and I hope to keep in touch with you and the team.
Thank you again for your time and your valuable feedback.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Industry connection
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Although I wasn’t selected, I wanted to express my appreciation for the opportunity to interview with you and the team.
I was impressed by your company’s reputation in the industry, and I look forward to keeping in touch with you and the team. If there are any future opportunities that align with my skills and experience, I hope you will keep me in mind.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Grateful for the experience
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Although I wasn’t selected, I wanted to express my appreciation for the opportunity to interview with you and the team.
I learned a lot about your company and the industry during the interview process, and I am grateful for the experience. I was impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of everyone I met, and I hope to keep in touch with you and the team.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Reiterate interest
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Although I wasn’t selected, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the opportunity to interview with you and the team.
I remain interested in your company and its mission, and I would be grateful for any future opportunities that may arise. Please keep me in mind if there are any positions that align with my skills and experience.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Mention mutual connection
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Although I wasn’t selected, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the opportunity to interview with you and the team.
I was excited to learn about your company from [mutual connection’s name], and I was impressed by your team’s passion and dedication. I hope to keep in touch with you and the team, and I would be grateful for any future opportunities that may arise.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it necessary to send a thank you email after receiving a rejection letter?
A: It’s not necessary, but it’s a good way to leave a positive impression on the hiring manager and potentially open up future opportunities.
Q: Should I ask for feedback in my thank you email?
A: It’s okay to ask for feedback, but make sure to frame it in a non-confrontational way. For example, you could say something like “If you have any feedback or advice for me, I would be grateful to hear it.”
Q: Can I express disappointment in my thank you email?
A: It’s okay to express disappointment, but don’t dwell on it or blame the company or the hiring manager. Keep your tone professional and gracious.
Q: Should I send a thank you email to every person I interviewed with?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to send a thank you email to everyone you interviewed with.
Q: How soon should I send a thank you email after receiving a rejection letter?
A: It’s best to send your thank you email within 24-48 hours of receiving the rejection letter.
Q: What if I don’t have the hiring manager’s email address?
A: You can usually find the hiring manager’s email address on the company’s website or LinkedIn page. If all else fails, you can send the thank you email to the company’s HR department.
Conclusion
Writing a thank you email after receiving a rejection letter may seem like a small gesture, but it can go a long way in leaving a positive impression on the hiring manager. Keep your tone professional and gracious, and use these tips and examples to help you craft the perfect thank you email for not getting the job.