As a hiring manager, you understand, all too well, that no one enjoys being rejected for a job. That’s part of the reason it’s so difficult to write a rejection letter to candidates that simply aren’t a good fit for the position you have available. It’s not fun being the bearer of bad news, after all. This leaves many businesses skipping the important step of touching base with job candidates who do not “fit the bill” for whatever reason to let them know they did not receive the job. That practice, or lack thereof, has led to a growing amount of dissatisfaction among job applicants.

Some employers believe that time is a valuable resource and that something as simple as sending out letters letting job candidates know they did not get the job is a waste of that precious resource. However, it doesn’t take that long to write a letter and place it in the outgoing mail pile. The good will and respect this action generates is well worth the investment of time and resources that are spent in the process.

Why is sending rejection letters so important?

It lets the candidates who didn’t get the job know that you respect the time and effort they invested in applying for the job first of all. But, it does more than that. It also boosts the reputation of your business and corporate image.

However, there is an unintended benefit of investing in this practice for your business. While you may view it as a time consuming process on the front end, so is fielding countless calls from candidates who didn’t get the position and are checking on the status of their applications. Sending out one simple email can save their time and yours allowing you both to move on to positions and/or candidates that are better suited for the positions at hand.

What should you say in your rejection letters?

Rejection is something people don’t like receiving. They don’t like being the one delivering it either. There are very few people who sit around practicing kinder gentler ways to deliver the rejecting “blow”. Here are a few points you should keep in mind in order to soften the blow while building good will.

  • Break the news gently