I own a small, fast growing company and recently interviewed several qualified people to fill an opening in our marketing group. We recently made a decision on hiring one of the candidates, but now I need to write a very polite, encouraging “Rejection Letter” to the other candidates --in part to spare their feelings, but also b/c we will very likely have other openings in the immediate future. Any ideas on finding a good source (web site, book, etc.) for this type of letter? I will personalize it for each candidate, but would love to start with a form of some sort.
I don’t have any sources for letters, but I’ll say you’re well ahead of 99.99% of businesses out there - I have never even been informed that I was rejected from any of the many jobs I’ve applied for. They usually just ignore ya. I’d just mention that all the current positions have been filled, but you expect to have more openings in the future and will keep in touch with them. I would have killed to get even one carbon copy email saying no more than that over the years.
The personalization is the key.
The more you can tell them why the other candidate was chosen over them, the more they will respect you and your company (provided the selection process was reasonable). What they want is feedback so they can improve their next interview. If the feedback you provide is specific to the desires of your company, and you tell them they may be considered for future positions, I think they would be happy to give it another shot, if they are still available when you are interviewing again.
Otherwise, just make sure it’s polite and intelligent (i.e. no grammar mistakes, well structured and thought out). Write what you mean.