How to Write an Impactful Thank You Email After Rejection

In this guide, you'll learn how to write a clear, gracious reply that keeps your reputation sharp, shows maturity, and can even set you up for future opportunities.

How to Write a Professional Thank You Email After Job Rejection

Responding to a job rejection email can feel like the last thing you want to do, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make during the job search. A thoughtful, well-written message shows professionalism, maturity, and long-term thinking. Here’s exactly how to write a professional thank you email after job rejection, step by step.

1. Say Thank You Clearly and Professionally

The most important part of a rejection response is also the easiest to overlook. Start by thanking the hiring manager for their time and for including you in the interview process. They spent hours reviewing applications, setting up interviews, and evaluating candidates. Recognizing that effort shows professionalism and maturity.

This step also sets the tone for the rest of your message. A clear and respectful thank you positions you as someone who understands the value of the process, not just the outcome. It helps maintain a positive relationship with the employer, even after rejection.

Strong examples:

• Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [job title] role and for including me in the interview process.
• I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about [company name] and to be considered for the position.

Avoid vague language. Be specific about what you’re thanking them for. It’s not about over-explaining, it’s about being intentional and professional.

2. Acknowledge the Rejection with Composure

Being told you weren’t selected is disappointing. Still, your reply needs to show poise, not frustration or self-pity. Acknowledge the job rejection without dwelling on it. Keep your response focused on what you appreciated, not what you lost.

This part of the email is not the place for emotional language, passive-aggressive comments, or defensive remarks. Your goal is to respond with professionalism and leave a positive impression on the hiring manager and the broader hiring team

Examples that strike the right tone:

• While I had hoped for a different result, I appreciate the update and the chance to be considered, even receiving the job rejection letter helped me understand where I stand in the process.
• Of course I’m disappointed, but I understand how competitive the process was and respect your decision.

These phrases show emotional control and an understanding of how hiring works. They also reinforce your ability to handle a competitive process with professionalism, something hiring teams remember. Even when you’re not the successful candidate, your response can still leave a strong impression.

3. Reaffirm Interest in the Company

If you genuinely liked the company, the people you met, or the mission, say so. Reaffirming your interest shows that you were paying attention during the interview process and see long-term value beyond the specific role. It also signals that you're not just job-hunting randomly, but targeting companies that align with your values and goals.

This matters more than it sounds. Companies want to hire people who are invested in their success. If your response shows continued interest in the organization, not just the role, it could set you up for other positions that haven’t even been posted yet.

Effective ways to phrase it:

• I remain genuinely interested in the work [company name] is doing and would welcome the chance to be considered for future opportunities.
• Please feel free to keep my information on file in case any other roles open up that align with my background.

This is how you leave the door open, by reminding them you’re still engaged and available, without being pushy.

4. Ask for Feedback, Briefly and Respectfully

Not all hiring managers are allowed to give feedback. Some avoid it entirely to protect the company from liability. Still, it’s worth asking if you do it the right way. Keep the request simple, professional, and optional. You’re asking for insight, not demanding an explanation.

Getting feedback, even one short sentence, can help you identify patterns and adjust your strategy during the job search process. It might be about your interview performance, your resume, or how your qualifications were perceived. A polite job rejection email response that includes a request for constructive feedback shows initiative and a mindset focused on future success.

How to phrase it:

• If you’re open to sharing any feedback on my interview or application, I’d greatly appreciate it.
• I understand the decision was difficult, and I’d be grateful for any insights you’re able to share to help me improve.

This one sentence signals that you’re proactive, coachable, and still thinking ahead. Even if they don’t respond, you showed initiative and professionalism.

5. End on a Positive, Forward-Looking Note

Finish strong by reaffirming your appreciation and looking ahead. This final step reinforces your professionalism and keeps the tone forward-facing. You’ve already acknowledged the rejection and expressed interest in staying connected. Now, leave them with a final impression of calm confidence and clarity.

This is where many people go off-script with over-apologizing or emotional closure. Don’t do that. Keep your message tight, respectful, and optimistic. You’re not begging for future opportunities, you’re reminding them you’re still someone worth remembering.

Examples:

• Thank you again for your time and consideration. I wish you continued success in finding the right candidate.
• I appreciate the opportunity to connect and hope our paths cross again in the future.

Use a polished salutations like:

• Best regards
• Sincerely
• Thank you again

Include your full name, email, and LinkedIn profile link if relevant. Make it easy for them to remember who you are and stay in touch.

Professional Thank You Email Template After Job Rejection

This email covers the essentials: a professional thank you, a composed job rejection email response, a note of continued interest, and a respectful request for feedback. It’s structured to leave a positive impression without sounding forced or overly formal. Use it as a template or adjust the wording to reflect your style.

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Subject line: Thank you for the opportunity

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for getting back to me about the [Job Title] position. While I’m naturally disappointed by the outcome, I appreciate the chance to meet with the team and learn more about [Company Name] throughout the interview process.

I remain genuinely interested in your work and would welcome the opportunity to be considered for future roles that align with my background. If you're open to sharing any feedback, I’d be grateful for any thoughts on my interview or application.

Thanks again for your time and consideration. Wishing you and the team continued success in finding the right candidate.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Phone Number]

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

Example 1: Polished and Professional

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Subject: Thank you for the update

Hi Jamie,

Thank you for the update on the [Marketing Coordinator] position. While I’m disappointed not to be selected, I appreciate the chance to meet with the hiring team and learn more about [Brightwell Media] throughout the interview process.

I remain genuinely interested in your company and would be glad to be considered for future opportunities. If you're open to sharing any feedback on my interview performance, I’d truly value the insight.

Thanks again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Lena Hart

lenahart@email.com

linkedin.com/in/lenahart

Example 2: Friendly and Forward-Looking

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Subject: Appreciate the opportunity to connect

Hi Carlos,

Thanks for following up after the interviews for the [Product Designer] role. Of course, I was hoping for a different outcome, but I’m still grateful for the opportunity to meet the team and get a feel for the company culture at [Formulate].

Please keep me in mind for any future roles where my skills might be a fit. I’d also appreciate any feedback you’re willing to share, as I’m always looking to improve and stay ready for future possibilities.

Wishing you and the hiring team all the best as you move forward.

Sincerely,

Jordan Rivers

jordanr@email.com

linkedin.com/in/jordanrivers

Conclusion

Rejection is part of the job search, but how you handle it can set you apart from the other applicants they forgot five minutes later. A short, professional response keeps your name in the mix, shows you’re serious about your growth, and proves you’ve got range, even when the answer is no.