55+ Ways To Respond to a Rejection Email (Best Examples)
Most job seekers delete rejection emails without a second thought.
But smart candidates know something others don’t: how you respond to a rejection can quietly shape your long-term career.
In this guide, we’ll share tips for crafting the perfect rejection email response, along with 55+ ready-to-use examples that can help you get started.
5 Tips for Writing Your Rejection Email Reply
Writing back after a job rejection might feel pointless, but it can open doors for many future opportunities.
Here are five tips to help you reply with professionalism, gratitude, and a vision for the future.
1. Reply Within 48 Hours
Give yourself a little time to process the news, then respond within a day or two. Quick replies show professionalism, but they should never feel rushed or emotionally reactive.
2. Lead with a Genuine “Thank You”
Even if you’re disappointed, take a moment to appreciate the time and consideration you received. Gratitude shows self-awareness and class.
3. Keep It Short, But Personal
You don’t need to write a speech. A few sincere lines are enough. Still, if there’s a moment from the interview you appreciated or a value you admired, mention it.
4. Don’t Close the Door
If you still admire the company or team, say so. Expressing interest in future roles isn’t desperate—it’s strategic. Many hiring managers revisit past candidates.
5. Be Human
Polished doesn’t mean robotic. Be warm, be kind, and don’t shy away from sounding like a real person. After all, people hire people, not cover letters.
The GRIT Method (Framework for Response)
At this point, If you’re unsure of where to start, our GRIT Formula is your go-to method for crafting a clear and effective rejection response.
It’s simple, professional, and keeps things open without feeling too formal or rehearsed. Here’s how it works:
G — Gratitude
Start by thanking the interviewer or recruiter for their time, feedback, or the opportunity to apply. It sets a respectful tone.
R — Reaffirmation
Briefly reaffirm your interest in the company or mission, if that’s still true. It reminds them you weren’t just chasing any job—you wanted this one for a reason.
I — Interest in Future Opportunities
Let them know you’d love to be considered for future openings. It’s polite, forward-looking, and smart.
T — Thoughtful Close
End on a warm and professional note. Wish them well, and leave a sense of mutual respect.
Also Read: 21+ Formal Responses to ‘We’ll Get Back to You’ (+ Alternatives)
How To Respond to a Job Rejection Email? 55+ Replies to Use
The list of 55+ Best Rejection Email Responses is as follows. You can pick one of the example that fits your situation and share it with your recruiter or interviewer.
General Thank-You Responses
1. Thank you for informing me and for the opportunity to get to know your team. I genuinely valued the experience.
2. I’m thankful for the chance to interview and gain deeper insight into your organization. Wishing you all the best moving forward.
3. I appreciate the update. While the news is disappointing, I truly valued the process and the time you invested.
4. Thank you for your consideration. It was a pleasure to learn more about the role and your company’s culture.
5. Thank you for your note and the time you spent throughout the process. I’d be grateful if you’d keep me in mind for future opportunities.
6. I’m grateful for the opportunity and remain enthusiastic about your organization. I hope our paths cross again soon.
7. Thank you for your thoughtful message. I’ve gained valuable insights from this experience and would welcome the chance to stay connected.
8. Thanks for the update. I appreciated our discussion and the opportunity to engage with your team.
9. I appreciate your message. Though I had hoped for a different outcome, I’m thankful for the chance to participate.
10. Thank you for the opportunity to connect—I’ll continue to follow your company’s inspiring work with interest.
Short & Polished One-Liners
11. Thank you for your time and consideration.
12. Appreciate the update—hope to cross paths again.
13. Grateful for the opportunity and your time.
14. Thanks you! please keep me in mind.
15. Best wishes for your continued success.
16. Thank you, and I wish you all the best.
17. Thanks for the professional experience.
18. Appreciate your thoughtful communication.
19. Wishing your team well in filling the role.
20. Thanks again – I’ll stay connected.
Responses That Request Feedback
21. Thank you for the opportunity. If you have any feedback on my interview, I’d be very grateful to receive it.
22. I appreciated the interview process. If you’re open to it, I’d love any suggestions that could help me improve.
23. Thank you for your response. If you have any notes about how I could improve, I’d value your perspective.
24. Thanks again—if possible, I’d really welcome any feedback you can share.
25. I understand the decision and appreciate your time. If you’re able to offer any insights, I’d be thankful.
For Roles You Really Wanted
26. Thank you for the update. I truly connected with your company’s mission and would love to be considered again.
27. While I’m disappointed, I still hold your team in high regard and hope we might work together in the future.
28. This role was a standout opportunity for me. I hope I can stay in touch for future openings.
29. Thanks for the chance. it confirmed my interest in [Company]. I’d love to stay connected.
30. Please keep me in mind if a similar opportunity opens up—I’m still very excited about what you’re building.
Also Read: 85 Best Responses to ‘How Have You Been?’
For Recruiters or Hiring Managers
31. Thanks so much for keeping me updated throughout the process. I appreciated your guidance and clarity.
32. I’ve really valued your communication during the interview process. Thank you for your time and support.
33. Thank you again for the update, and for making the process so informative and welcoming.
34. It was great working with you—I hope to reconnect down the road if other roles arise.
35. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect and appreciate your professionalism throughout.
Future-Focused Responses
36. Thanks again—I hope our paths cross again soon.
37. Wishing you and your team the best. Please keep me in mind going forward.
38. Let’s stay connected—I’d love to hear about future roles that might be a good fit.
39. Appreciate the transparency. I’ll definitely be following your work going forward.
40. Thanks again, and best of luck with the new hire.
Creative or Slightly Bold (Use With Caution)
41. Rejection doesn’t always mean “never”—just “not right now.” Hope we can talk again soon.
42. Thanks for your time—I’ll consider this a warm ‘see you later.’
43. This was still a win for me. Grateful for the lessons and conversations.
44. Looking forward to the next opportunity to apply what I’ve learned here.
45. Thanks for the honesty—staying optimistic for next time.
Also Read: How To Respond to A Declined Invitation? 55 Best Replies to Use
Internal Candidate or Second-Time Applicants
46. Thanks once more – I’ll continue applying for relevant roles. I believe in the company’s mission deeply.
47. I remain excited about contributing in the future. Please do keep me in mind.
48. Thanks for your time. I’ll continue to grow and be ready should something else open up.
49. Appreciate the chance to interview again. I hope the right fit opens up soon.
50. Thanks again for considering me – I’ll stay tuned for future opportunities.
With a LinkedIn or Follow-Up Nudge
51. Appreciate your time—I’ll be keeping an eye on [Company]’s progress on LinkedIn.
52. I’d love to stay connected here and on LinkedIn for future opportunities.
53. If it’s alright, I’ll connect with you on LinkedIn and keep in touch.
54. Looking forward to following your team’s growth and upcoming roles.
55. I’ve sent a LinkedIn invite—thank you again for your time and professionalism.
Final Words
It’s tough hearing ‘no,’ especially after putting your heart into an application. But every rejection opens a door to build connections, sharpen your interview skills, and bring you closer to the right role.
When Responding, follow the GRIT framework, and make yourself remembered for future roles.
