How to Respond to an Employment Rejection Letter
Rejection hurts. No one likes rejection, but we all experience it in one way or another. Whether it is the rejection of a business offer, the affection of the heart or the rejection from a group or club, pain is pain. One of the worse rejections a person can experience, especially during these economically challenging times, is the receiving of an employment rejection letter; it couldn't come at a worse time.
- Remain professional and pragmatic. All is not lost. Read the letter and get the gist of what they were saying. Yes you were rejected, but did they say why? Try and see where they might be coming from and learn from it. Remember, you are not the first to receive a rejection, and you certainly won't be the last.
- Respond back, but only after you have a clear head and you know what you want to say. If you are still interested in working for the company, mention that. Don't apologize if you didn't do anything wrong. Without sounding desperate, ask what the deciding factor was behind the decision that you weren't a good fit for the company. State that you realize that the rejection letter gave a brief discussion why, but you are looking for a detailed response to understand where you need to improve, so you may be able to succeed at an exceptional company like theirs.
- Utilize a formal business letter format. Write the date, name, the title of the addressee, name of the company and address right before the formal greeting.
- This is no time to be vulgar, immature or spiteful. There are other jobs. "If you don't at first succeed, try, try, try again."