Receiving a job rejection letter can be disheartening, but it doesn’t mean the end of your job search. Following up after a job rejection can demonstrate your persistence and professionalism, and could potentially lead to future job opportunities. In this article, we’ll provide tips and sample letters on how to write a follow-up letter after job rejection.
Tips for Writing a Follow-Up Letter After Job Rejection
- Wait for the appropriate duration before following up.It’s natural to feel an urge to respond right away after receiving a job rejection letter. However, it’s best to wait for a reasonable period before following up. This gives the interviewer time to deliberate and make a decision. A good timeframe to follow is around 7-14 days.
- Address the hiring manager by name.Addressing the hiring manager by name instead of using generic terms like “To whom it may concern” conveys that you take the initiative to do proper research. If you do not know the hiring manager’s name, you can try using LinkedIn to look them up.
- Acknowledge the rejection.It’s important to acknowledge that you received the job rejection letter and that you understand the decision. This can help build bridges and maintain a positive relationship with the interviewer for any future opportunities.
- Emphasize your continued interest.Despite receiving a job rejection, it’s important to emphasize your continued interest in the company. This shows that you believe in the organization’s values, mission, and future prospects and indicates that you are not giving up on your job search.
- Reiterate your qualifications.Emphasizing your qualifications, skills, and experience that make you a good fit for the company shows that you are still interested in the position and believe that you are a good candidate for the organization.
- Keep the tone positive.Avoid coming across as desperate or overbearing in your follow-up letter. Keep the tone positive, professional, and gracious. Remember that you are creating an impression even if it’s a follow-up letter.
- Offer to provide additional information.Provide additional information to show that you are still interested in the position. This could include providing referrals or testimonials that demonstrate your character and your abilities.
- End the letter on a positive note.Always end the letter graciously even if you don’t expect a response. This could be by thanking the hiring manager for their time and consideration and indicating that you are open to future opportunities.

Sample Follow-Up Letter Short and Positive
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my job application for the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. Although I am disappointed to receive a job rejection letter, I wanted to express how much I enjoyed the experience of applying for the position and learning about [Company Name]'s mission and values. I remain very interested in working with [Company Name] and believe that my skills and qualifications would be a great fit for the company. Please consider me for future job openings, and I would be happy to provide any further information or referrals if needed. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]
For More: Write a Best Follow Up Letter for Job Opportunity 5 Ready Templates
Follow-Up Letter Thanking for the Opportunity
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope this letter finds you doing well. I wanted to follow up on the job application I submitted for the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. Although I received a job rejection letter, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your consideration. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the company and the position. I am still very much interested in employment opportunities at [Company Name]. If any other job openings become available in the future that match my skillset, I would be grateful for the chance to apply again. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]
Sample Follow-Up Letter Recalling the Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the job application I submitted for the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. Although I received a job rejection letter, I wanted to say again how much I enjoyed meeting you and your team and learning about the company during the interview. I remain very interested in [Company Name] and believe that my qualifications and skills would be a good fit for any future job openings. I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample Follow-Up Letter Providing Referrals
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the job application I submitted for the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. Although I received a job rejection letter, I wanted to let you know that I am still interested in any employment opportunities available at [Company Name]. As we discussed during the interview, I have worked with [Name of Referral] in the past, and they speak highly of your organization. If you need any further insight into my qualifications, or if you think [Name of Referral] could be a valuable addition to your team, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your time and consideration, Best regards, [Your Name]

Sample Follow-Up Letter Expressing Gratitude
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on the job application I submitted for the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. Receiving the job rejection letter was not the outcome I hoped for, but I am grateful for the opportunity to apply and interview for the role. I learned a lot about [Company Name] through the interview process and remain impressed by your organization's [list a specific quality or aspect that you found positive]. If any other job openings that match my qualifications and skills come up, I would be excited to apply and demonstrate my worth. Thank you again for your time and the opportunity to apply for the job. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, [Your Name]
Key Takeaways
A job rejection does not signal the end of a job search, and following up after a job rejection can showcase your determination, persistence, and professionalism. When writing a follow-up letter after a job rejection, keep these tips in mind:
- Wait for an appropriate duration before following up, commonly 7-14 days.
- Address the hiring manager by name.
- Acknowledge the rejection and be positive in your tone.
- Emphasize your continued interest in the company.
- Reiterate your qualifications for the position.
- Offer to provide additional information to demonstrate your character and abilities.
- End the letter on a positive note.
By incorporating these tips and using our sample follow-up letters, you can create an effective communication that could lead to other job opportunities or positive relationships with potential employers.