Module 3 - Interviews

Unit 5: If You're Unsuccessful

Rejection Letters

If your application for a position has ultimately been unsuccessful, you will normally be notified by mail.

Unsuccessful applicants are usually advised after the successful applicant has formally accepted the position.

Employers wait until this time because their initial offer may be rejected, and they therefore may need to offer the position to another candidate. An employer may also sometimes choose to re-interview or readvertise a position if they have not found an appropriate candidate.

Unsuccessful applicants usually receive a standard rejection letter which contains little or no feedback on their performance. If this is the case, it is perfectly appropriate to ring your contact and ask for feedback. While most people will tend to be diplomatic rather than brutally honest, the feedback will allow you to determine whether you need to improve some aspect of your presentation, whether you lacked some critical skill or ability, or whether the other person was just more suited to the position.