A respectful rejection email for candidates who weren't advanced past the initial screening stage.
Hi [Candidate_Name],
Thank you for your interest in the [Role] position at [Company_Name] and for taking the time to apply.
After reviewing applications for this role, we've decided to move forward with candidates whose backgrounds more closely match the specific requirements we're looking for at this stage.
This doesn't reflect on your talent or potential — hiring decisions often come down to very specific needs at a particular moment in time.
We'd encourage you to keep an eye on our careers page at [Careers_Page_URL] for future openings that may be a stronger fit. We'd also be happy to keep your resume on file for upcoming roles.
Thank you again for considering [Company_Name], and I wish you the best in your search.
Best regards,
[Recruiter_Name]
[Recruiter_Title] at [Company_Name]