Email After Job Rejection Template (UK 2026)

Why this matters

How you handle rejection is often a stronger signal than how you handled the interview. Recruiters and hiring managers remember candidates who responded to rejection professionally — those candidates get referred to other roles, called back when the original placement falls through, and remembered when similar roles open. The candidates who go silent or push back angrily are remembered for the wrong reasons.

Email template

Subject: Thank you — [Your name] — [Role title]

Dear [Hiring manager's name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Role title] role. While I'm naturally disappointed, I appreciate you taking the time to respond personally.

If it's possible, I'd value any feedback on how I came across in the interview — even one or two specific points would help me as I continue my search.

I enjoyed learning about [Company name] and the team. I'd be very interested to be considered for any similar roles that come up in future, and I hope we cross paths again.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Replace bracketed text [like this] with your details. Keep the tone — that's what does the work.

Step-by-step

1. 1 Respond within 24 hours of receiving the rejection
2. 2 Lead with grace, not disappointment
3. 3 Request specific feedback — most companies will share something useful
4. 4 Keep the door open for future roles
5. 5 Address it to whoever sent the rejection
6. 6 Don't ask for reconsideration unless you have a genuinely new piece of evidence
7. 7 Save any frustration for offline — the email is for relationship maintenance

Common mistakes

• ✗Not responding at all — closes the door entirely
• ✗Responding with anger or disagreement — damages future opportunities at the company
• ✗Asking for reconsideration without new information — perceived as desperate
• ✗Demanding detailed feedback — most companies decline for legal reasons
• ✗Following up multiple times asking for feedback if none is offered first time