How Do You Gently Tell a Candidate They Didn't Get the Job After an Interview?

Hi all,

Could someone please advise on how to inform a candidate, whose interview we have conducted for a specific position, that they have been rejected when they call to inquire about the result? I always find it difficult to tell someone they have not been selected.

Please provide some guidance.

Regards,
Ankit

Hi Ankit,

It is really difficult to break the news to a candidate like that. However, we must inform them. The approach should be encouraging; you can mention that their performance was commendable, but the position has already been filled. You can assure them that you will keep their profile for future opportunities and wish them success in their future endeavors.

Regards,
Sowmya

Hi Ankit,

I agree that it's embarrassing to tell someone that they are rejected in an interview. But the fact is that you can really help the candidates improve themselves by giving them true feedback on their performance. You can tell them that the result is delayed and just hint indirectly that it may be negative, but you are not too sure about it. Then offer your feedback and suggestions if any. End the call by mentioning that if you receive any positive reply, you will get back to them soon.

Hope this makes sense to you.

Thanks,
binzy

Dear Ankit,

I agree with Benzy. Being a consultant, I get nearly 40 to 50 calls per day asking about the feedback, and mostly I have to say that they are rejected. In fact, I felt really bad to say that earlier, but now, when I get the feedback from the interview panel, I understand where that candidate lagged, and mostly we know the reasons why they were rejected. Hence, you have to inform them in which round they were rejected.

You might tell a candidate that they performed well in the first round, but when they came for the second round, they flunked. This will give them an idea to develop themselves for the next interviews. By the way, instead of just saying that they are rejected, you can also help them. Otherwise, they will still have hopes about the opportunity.

I think you have the answer to your question.

Thanks and regards,
Rupa

Hi,

It's better to tell the candidate that the news is not positive for him. You'll be contacting him in the future for openings that match his profile.

Kornika

Hi Ankit,

Yes, that's true. It's very difficult to inform a candidate about their rejection. However, we can assist them by providing the correct information and informing them about their areas of weakness. This feedback can be valuable for their improvement and performance in future interviews.

Regards,
Monica

Hi,

As people say, it's one of the most embarrassing tasks, but it's totally unfair that many of the corporates and consultants avoid facing the candidate. I wish to inform you that we are responsible for providing feedback to the candidate, no matter what it takes.

I request you to convey the feedback to the candidate as we have a complete responsibility to inform him of how he missed the opportunity so that he can rectify it.

Regards,
Vijay