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How to Respond to a Job Rejection Email (and Ask for Feedback): 6 Templates

How to respond to a job rejection email, with six templates: a simple thank-you, asking for feedback, after a final round, staying in touch for future roles, replying to a recruiter, and following up on a phone rejection. Plus what to do with feedback.

By Amine Boukioud Updated 5 min read
The Huru mascot calmly typing a reply on a laptop, with a cup of tea and a small plant on the desk

The short answer: reply to a rejection email within a day or two with a short, gracious note: thank them for their time, say you enjoyed learning about the role, and, if you’d like, ask for one or two pieces of feedback or to be considered for future roles. Keep it to four or five sentences and don’t argue with the decision. Many employers won’t give detailed feedback, but a professional reply keeps the door open: people who were rejected are sometimes contacted when the chosen candidate declines or a similar role opens. Below are six templates for different situations and what to do with any feedback you get.

Should you reply to a rejection email?

Yes, in most cases, especially after an interview. It takes two minutes and it:

  • Leaves a good last impression with people who may hire again.
  • Gives you a chance to ask for feedback.
  • Keeps you in mind for future openings.

If the rejection came from an automated system after an application with no interview, a reply is optional.

What to include

  1. Thanks for their time and the opportunity.
  2. A positive, specific note about the role, team or process.
  3. Optional: a request for feedback or to be considered for future roles.
  4. A short, warm close.

Send it within a day or two, from the same email thread.

Six templates

Replace the details in brackets. Keep your reply short: most of these are under 100 words.

1. A simple thank-you

Subject: Re: [Role] at [Company]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know, and for the time you and the team spent with me. I enjoyed learning about [something specific, such as the team’s plans for the new product], and I’d be glad to be considered for future roles that fit my background.

Best wishes,
[Your name]

2. Asking for feedback

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know, and for considering me for the [Role] position. I appreciated the chance to meet [interviewers’ names].

If you have a moment, I’d be grateful for any feedback on my application or interviews: one or two things I could improve would help me a lot as I continue my search.

Thank you again, and I hope to cross paths in the future.

[Your name]

Ask for one or two points, not a full review; it’s easier to answer.

3. After a final round

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know. Although I’m disappointed, I really enjoyed getting to know the team over the last few weeks, especially [specific conversation or project].

If the chosen candidate doesn’t work out or a similar role opens, I’d be very interested. And if you’re able to share any feedback from the final round, I’d welcome it.

All the best,
[Your name]

4. Staying in touch for future roles

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the update and for your time throughout the process. I’m still very interested in [Company] and in [type of work]. Would it be all right if I connected with you on LinkedIn and kept an eye on future openings?

Best,
[Your name]

5. Replying to a recruiter

Hi [Name],

Thanks for letting me know, and for your help throughout the process. I’d love to stay on your radar for similar roles, at [Company] or with other clients. If there’s anything from the feedback that I should work on, I’d be grateful to hear it.

Best,
[Your name]

6. After a rejection by phone

Hi [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to call me today. I appreciated hearing the decision directly, and the feedback you shared about [point], which I’ll work on. I enjoyed meeting the team and would be glad to be considered for future roles.

Best regards,
[Your name]

What to avoid

  • Arguing with the decision or asking them to reconsider.
  • Long emails. Four or five sentences is enough.
  • Emotional or negative language, even if you’re disappointed.
  • Asking for feedback more than once. If they don’t reply, let it go.
  • Replying from your phone in a hurry. Proofread; it’s your last impression.

If they don’t give feedback

Many employers don’t share individual feedback after interviews, often as a matter of company policy. Don’t take silence personally. You can still review the interview yourself:

  • Which questions felt weakest? Write down how you answered and how you’d answer now.
  • Were your answers specific? Vague answers without examples or results are the most common problem.
  • Did you connect your experience to their needs?
  • Practice those questions out loud before your next interview, or do a mock interview with someone who’ll score your answers.

What to do with feedback you get

  • Thank them for it, briefly, even if it’s hard to hear.
  • Look for the pattern. One comment may be one interviewer’s view; the same comment from two companies is worth acting on.
  • Turn it into practice. If the feedback was “needed more examples”, rehearse your stories with the STAR method until each has a clear result.

Frequently asked questions

How do I respond to a job rejection email?
Reply within a day or two with a short note: thank them for their time, mention something specific you enjoyed about the role or team, and optionally ask for feedback or to be considered for future roles. Don't argue with the decision.
Should I reply to a rejection email?
Yes, especially after an interview. A short, gracious reply leaves a good last impression, lets you ask for feedback, and keeps you in mind for future openings. For automated rejections after an application, a reply is optional.
How do I ask for feedback after a job rejection?
Thank them, then ask politely for one or two things you could improve. Keep the request small and easy to answer, and don't ask again if they don't reply.
Why don't employers give interview feedback?
Many companies have a policy of not sharing individual feedback. If you don't hear back, review the interview yourself: which answers were weakest, and were they specific, with examples and results?
Can I ask to be considered for other roles after a rejection?
Yes. Say you're still interested in the company and would like to be considered for future roles that fit your background, and connect with the recruiter or hiring manager.

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Amine Boukioud

Amine Boukioud is a co-founder of Beatview, Inc., the company behind Huru, and Head of Growth at Huru. He writes and reviews Huru’s interview guides; each one starts from primary sources such as employers’ own careers pages, official data and research, and follows Huru’s editorial policy.

Published · Updated

How this article was made: researched and drafted with AI assistance, then written, fact-checked and signed by Amine Boukioud on September 30, 2026. Sources are linked where they are used. How we work: editorial policy.

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