not successful job application letter

Job Applicant Rejection Letter Sample

not successful job application letter

A LinkedIn survey found that 94% of talent would like to get interview feedback .

Make sure you provide a great employer branding experience by communicating with your candidates when they haven’t been successful in applying for a job.

When you send a candidate  rejection letter, it puts your company in a good light.

This will encourage candidates to reapply for another position, speak to their friends or leave good reviews about your business.

The sample job application rejection letters below will give you a good start when communicating with candidates who haven’t made the grade. Use these candidate rejection letter templates and personalize them according to your company. Before we get into the “you didn’t get the job” email samples, here are some tips for writing job applicant rejection letters.

Job applicant rejection letter tips

The structure of the job applicant rejection letter

You should have a structure for all of your job candidate rejection letters. This will enable you to say what you need to quickly and efficiently as well as sticking to your company's brand. Use the following information when formatting a job applicant rejection letter:

Job candidate rejection letter samples and templates

Job rejection letter sample 1, the standard sample rejection letter from an employer to an applicant who will not get an interview..

Dear < Applicant’s first name >,

I would like to say thank you for taking the time to apply and meet with our team about the <role title=""> at <company name="">. It was great to find out more about what you have achieved, as well as your skills and qualifications.</company></role>

Regrettably, you were not selected by our team to go forward. Please remember that competition for jobs at <company name=""> is very high and it is often difficult to choose between many experienced and quality applicants.</company>

We will be keeping your details on file in case any openings come up in the future that we believe you would be a better fit for.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like detailed feedback about the selection process.

Many thanks again for your interest and application to <company name=""> and all the best with your job search.</company>

< Sender’s name >

Job Rejection Letter Sample 2

Dear Mr./Miss < Applicant’s last name >,

Thank you for applying for the <job title=""> at <company name="">. We want to thank you for making the effort to apply to our company and we value your interest in becoming part of our team.</company></job>

The number of applications we received for this role was unprecedented and, after careful consideration of every single one of them, it is unfortunate that we have to let you know that you will not be proceeding to the next phase of our selection process. Although your skills and qualifications are remarkable, we have chosen to go forward with another applicant, who is a better fit in terms of experience.

Again, we value your interest in our company and would welcome an application from you in the future, should you come across another role that you think you will be suitable for.

If you need further information or have any more questions, please feel free to contact me by phone at <phone number=""> or email< email address>.</phone>

We wish you all the best with your future ventures.

Job Rejection Letter Sample 3

After a phone interview.

Dear Miss/Mr. < Applicant’s last name >

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on the phone for the position of <job title="">.</job>

Our company has received a high number of applications and we have contacted a number of applicants. We would like to let you know that, although your qualifications and skills were very impressive, we have decided to go forward with other candidates whose experience and skills better meet the needs of our organization at this time.

Thank you again for your interest in <company name="">. I wish you success in your career search.</company>

Job Rejection Letter Sample 4

After a face-to-face interview.

Thank you for taking the time to interview with <company name=""> for the <position name="">.</position></company>

We value your interest in our company and this role. I am writing to inform you that we have chosen an applicant who is the closest match for the job requirements and description of this role.

We very much appreciate you taking the time and making the effort to attend the interview. We would like you to consider applying for future openings at our company.

Once again, thank you very much for your time.

Job Rejection Letter Sample 5

Dear Miss/Mr. < Applicant’s last name >,

I appreciate you taking the time and making the effort to meet with our team to talk about the <position> at <company>.</company></position>

Your time, enthusiasm and interest in this position are much appreciated. I would like to inform you that the position has been filled by another candidate, whose qualifications, skills and experience most closely matched the requirements in the job description.

However, your application will be kept on file and you will be considered for future openings, if they are a good fit.

Again, it was good to meet with you and I wish you all the best in your future job search.

Job Rejection Letter Sample 6

Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to meet and interview you for <job position="" title=""> with our company. We value your interest and enthusiasm in joining our team and we enjoyed getting to know more about you.</job>

It can be difficult to choose among brilliant candidates who we interview, especially when we have many who are so qualified for this particular role. Even though we would love to welcome every single person we interview to our team, in the end we need to choose an applicant who we know most closely fulfills the requirements of the position’s job description.

Although your qualifications, experience, skills and education are very impressive, we have chosen to go forward with another candidate who better matches and meets the needs of this role. Our decision was based on small nuances, but you were still a very exceptional candidate. We do hope that you keep us in mind and apply again in the future for a role you believe would be a good fit, as we appreciate your expertise in our industry. You were one of the few top candidates and it was a pleasure to meet you.

If you need more information or have any questions, I would be happy to speak with you. You can contact me by email at <email address=""> or phone at <phone number="">.</phone></email>

Once again, thank you for the time, effort, energy and enthusiasm you have invested in this process and we wish you all the best in your personal and professional endeavors.

Job Rejection Letter Sample 7

This job applicant rejection letter is used for after a second interview.

Thank you for investing the time to go through our two-stage interview selection process for the position of <job title="">. Our team really enjoyed meeting you and discussing various aspects of the < industry>.</job>

We have now had the time and opportunity to consider every candidate. You were one of the candidates most highly regarded for this position. However, on this occasion, the team felt that another candidate’s experience and skills were a better match for the position. We want to take this time to encourage you to continue to check our vacancies for future positions that match your skills and experience.

We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and the next part of your career. Thank you again for your interest in <company name="">.</company>

Job Rejection Letter Sample 8

After assessment test.

Dear <applicant’s first="" name="">,</applicant’s>

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and the team for <job title=""> at <company name="">. It was a pleasure to learn more about your accomplishments and skills.</company></job>

We have now had the chance to review all applicants and, unfortunately, we regret to inform you that, at this time, we have decided not to proceed with your application. This has been a tough decision as the applicant standards have been very high. However, we have found that, during the test, other candidates had higher verbal reasoning skills. We would like to give you the advice to gain more experience in this field and to submit another application in the near future when more vacancies become available.

Thank you once again for your interest in <company name=""> and we wish you all the best in your job search and career.</company>

Conclusion: Job applicant rejection letter sample

Use the job applicant rejection letter templates above by customizing them according to the different stages of the hiring process .

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Never the Right Word

6 Polite Emails to Reject Unsuccessful Job Candidates

Business and Career Discussions , Email and Letter Templates

Rejecting candidates is part and parcel of the recruitment process. While it’s courteous to let all applicants know whether or not they have got the job, or whether or not they have even been invited for an interview, this doesn’t always happen. Most hiring managers don’t always let applicants know about their progress in the recruitment process. Some employers only contact candidates who are successful at interview, while others notify applicants who haven’t been invited for an interview.

However, it’s always a good idea to send rejection emails to candidates who have not been successful at interview. Not only does it speak volumes about your company and its culture, but it also helps you create a healthy talent pipeline and improve your employer branding. Here are six sample templates that show you how to tell a job applicant that they have been turned down.

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Email Template 1 | “We Liked You, but Not This Time..”

Dear [Insert Name], Thank you for taking the time to attend the interview for the [Job title]. Our team appreciates your interest in the role and in our organization. Unfortunately, on this occasion, your application was not successful, and we have appointed an applicant who we believe more closely matches the skills required for the job position. We really appreciate you taking the time to attend the interview and hope that you will apply for other job openings at our organisation in the future. Best regards, Signature Hiring Manager.

This sample letter politely notifies the applicant that they have been rejected and explains that another applicant whose skills were a better fit. Always encourage the rejected applicant to apply for other openings, if you think this is appropriate.

Email Template 4 | “Come Back to Us When You’ve Built Up More Experience”

Dear [Applicant Name], I’d like to thank you for your interest in the [Job title] at [Company name] and for the time you’ve invested in the interview process. Unfortunately, we’ve decided to move forward with another applicant. While your qualifications are impressive, we needed an applicant with more hands-on experience. Should you wish to apply for similar roles in the future, when you have built up more direct experience, we would be very happy to offer you another interview. On behalf of [Company name], I would like to thank you for your application and to wish you well in your future endeavours. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Job Title]

This is one of the politest rejection templates in this post. The hiring manager acknowledges that the applicant’s qualifications are great but still has to reject their application. The manager goes ahead and provides a genuine explanation for the decision. Additionally, he/she is willing to consider the applicant for future job opportunities at the company.

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Email Template 5 | “Unfortunately Your Credentials Don’t Fulfill What We’re Looking For”

Dear [Insert Name], I am writing to let you know that your recent application for the position of [Insert Job Title] at [Insert Company Name] was not successful. We interviewed a large number of applicants for the position, and several of those candidates had the experience that directly related to the role. Whilst your credentials and experience are impressive, they do not closely correlate with the requirements for this particular role. Thank you for taking the time to meet our interview team. We will, of course, keep your CV on file for future job openings that may be of interest to you. Kind Regards, [Your Name]

The hiring manager in this letter provides a clear explanation as to why the company didn’t hire the applicant. This helps rejected applicants understand the company’s needs and the type of applicants that best fulfill those needs.

Email Template 6 | “You’re More Suited to Another Vacancy We Have”

Dear [Insert Name], Thank you for your recent application for the role of [Insert Job Title] at [Insert Company Name]. Whilst your application was not successful, the interviewing team was very impressed by you and felt that you might be more suited to another role that is currently available within the company. I have attached job description for the [Insert job title] role, for your consideration. If you’d like to arrange an interview for this role, please contact our HR team on [Insert telephone number]. I look forward to hearing from you and wish you well with your future endeavours. Kind Regards, [Your Name] [Your Job Title]

Like most templates in this post, the HR manager is polite and starts by thanking the applicant for their interest in the company and applying for the job. Although the letter doesn’t provide insight into why the current application was unsuccessful, it acknowledges the applicant’s accomplishments and invites them to apply again for a more suitable role.

not successful job application letter

These six templates provide an insight into how to tell a job applicant that they have been turned down. You can just copy and paste them or use them as a starting point to develop your own letters or emails. Just make sure that the message is brief and clear about the rejection.

At Never the Right Word, our aim is to give you practical examples of how to handle life’s difficult conversations. If you have an awkward situation that you’d like example templates for, request a topic here .    

If you’re interested in further reading, we’ve also included links to our trusted resources and related posts below. To find out more  about NTRW  and our  recommended tools , you can do that  here .   

Lastly, if you found this content helpful or want to share your own examples, let us know in the comments. We’d also be delighted if you shared this article and joined us on social media too!

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Hi there! I’m Amy , and I’m the person behind Never the Right Word. I’m a designer-by-day who’s fascinated by human psychology; you’ll find me learning about what makes others tick through all types of media and good old-fashioned conversation. Learn more about me here.

In 2019 Never the Right Word was born to fill the gap of ‘how-to’ websites with copy and paste examples showing you EXACTLY what you need to say to steer difficult conversations into positive outcomes.

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How to send a rejection letter or rejection email

What is a rejection letter or email to applicants, the importance of a rejection letter or email to applicants, how to use this ejection letter sample or rejection email template, template for a rejection letter or email to applicants.

Use this rejection letter sample or rejection email template to save time. This rejection letter sample or rejection email template contains all the most important elements that a good rejection letter should have. Use this rejection letter sample or rejection email template and feel free to customize it to fit your own needs. 

Need more HR and recruiting templates like this rejection letter for applicants?

Check templates for Human Resources and templates for Recruiters . 

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Mar 23, 2021

How to write the perfect candidate rejection email

Learn how to craft a polite, personalized, and professional candidate rejection email that protects your reputation and strengthens your brand.

Blog writer

Lawrie Jones

Table of contents

Telling a prospective candidate that they've not got a job is one of the most challenging things anyone can do, but it's crucial that you do. Jobseekers have taken the time, effort and, in some cases, the expense to submit an application and attend an interview, so the least you can do is to tell them if they haven't got a job.

The best candidate rejection emails are personal and professional, providing just enough feedback to the job seeker. They find the right balance between being positive, informative and encouraging while still saying no.

Get it right, and you can improve the reputation of your business. Get it wrong, and a bad job rejection email can quickly spread across the world, damaging your reputation and credibility.

Do you send a lot of candidate rejection letters? Try Flowrite's smart email templates to write repetitive emails faster. Here's how it works:

What is a rejection email?

 A job rejection email response is a professional courtesy to job seekers who haven't been successful after submitting an application or attending an interview.

Once you've decided whom to interview or employ, it's essential that you let unsuccessful candidates know as soon as possible.

There are no real rules on job rejection emails, but you should definitely send one. Sadly, many organizations don't bother.

Job platform Workable found that  75% of job seekers never receive a reply  after sending an application. A further 60% never received any feedback after an interview.

Why do I need to know about job rejection emails?

The task of crafting a rejection letter is often delegated to staff who may not have been involved in the selection process. The key is to find the right tone between being encouraging and positive but honest and professional.

If you've never written an applicant rejection letter before, it can take some practice before you hit all the right notes. Even experienced recruiters may find rejection emails can be challenging to create.

Telling someone bad news is always tricky but writing rejection letters is particularly challenging. Jobseekers become  emotionally invested  in the recruitment process, and rejection can be hard to take.

From application to an appointment, the average recruitment process takes 27 days,  Glassdoor  found. If candidates have been invited to interview and have met prospective employers, a 'no' can be difficult to take. When rejected, jobseekers will  experience a range of emotions , including disappointment, anger, and frustration.

A missing or poorly written letter could harm the self-concept of the recipient and future intentions of potential recruits,"  researchers found.  Simply put, a bad rejection letter could do lasting damage to someone's mental health.

In  another study , academics found that applicants rejected without receiving correspondence were more likely to believe that the organization failed to fulfill its obligations. Those who didn't receive a personalized rejection letter had what the researchers describe as "more negative intentions" toward the organization. ‍

A well-written rejection letter can achieve three things: ‍

A rejection letter before interview or a post-job interview rejection email can be as short or long as you wish, but it needs to contain some specifics that we'll cover next.

What makes an excellent candidate rejection email?

We've written before on  professional email etiquette , but a rejection letter for job vacancies is slightly different. Our research has identified that there are four core parts of any successful rejection email.

Let's look at these in more detail.

1. Thank the applicant

Jobseekers have put time and effort to apply and craft a resume . They're enthusiastic, excited, and have invested emotionally in the process. Applying for a job is hard , and rejection is even harder. Hence, it's essential to recognize that by thanking them for their effort .

2. Give the bad news

Rejection letters are about bad news, so be clear and upfront. If it's a no, then say so.

Your response must be definitive and leave the applicant under no illusion that they have a chance. A clean break is the fairest approach.

3. Explain the reasons

It's vital that you explain why the person didn't get a job.

You can enter into as much detail here as you wish. In some cases, it may be as simple as stating there were more suitable candidates, or you may want to provide lengthy and detailed feedback. See our examples below for some inspiration.

Even brief feedback is better than no feedback. If you struggle with finding time or the right words for writing feedback, check out Flowrite's smart feedback email template , that uses AI to write your feedback emails for you.

4. End positively

Finishing your email on a positive note is essential. You haven't given this person a job, but there's a role out there for them.

Thank the applicant, recognize their strengths, and encourage them to apply again. If you're prepared to follow through, then offer to give the applicant feedback.

How to reject a candidate via email

You've read our framework for constructing the perfect email, but you may wonder how that translates into a rejection email? Let's take a look at some of the crucial tips for writing an application rejection letter.

1. Use the person's name

It may be tempting to send out a group email to all interviewees but don't. Always address the person by name. They will appreciate it.

We prefer using the first name as it sounds much more personal. You can learn more about  how to start a professional email  in our in-depth blog.

2. Thank them for applying

Every application and interview represent hours of effort on behalf of a jobseeker, so a thank you isn't just welcome; it's a necessity.

not successful job application letter

3. Start with the bad news (and don't apologize for picking the best candidate)

Tell people straight away that they have been unsuccessful. Don't leave it to the end of the email to give the bad news. Jobseekers will read and re-read your email, so be clear, not vague.

For example: ‍

You may want to say sorry but don't . The decisions you take are what's best for your business, and there's no need to apologize.

4. Be personal

Spending a little time reflecting on a candidate's experience can make the jobseeker feel your decision is considered and fair. A rejection with no explanation can lead to confusion, frustration, and upset.

5. If you offer to provide feedback, make sure you really mean it

So many organizations offer to provide feedback but don't (for many reasons). If you aren't prepared to provide feedback, then don't offer to do so.

6. Encourage them to apply again

The door is never shut to great candidates, so encourage them to apply again. Include details of how they can search for new opportunities.

You can suggest job seekers connect with you on social media platforms such as LinkedIn to learn about new opportunities. ‍

7. End professionally

We've written a detailed blog on the best practices for ending professional emails .

8. Proofread all emails

There's nothing worse than a poorly written rejection email, so be sure to check it before sending it.

How long should my rejection letter be?

There is no right or wrong answer, but following a professional email format is advised. The first thing is that you write a job rejection letter, as so many businesses and organizations don't even take this step.

A good guide is that the longer someone has been involved in the job selection process, the more detailed a candidate rejection letter should be. In most cases, three or four paragraphs is enough.

Subject line for the rejection email

It's best to keep things simple, clear, and professional. We recommend that you list the job title in the subject line. As an example, you could use the following.

Rejection email template

You should personalize your rejection emails for each role and each organization, but here are some basic examples you can follow.

Example 1: Basic candidate rejection email

This is a pretty standard rejection letter that is tailored for the person. It's professional, to the point, and clear.

Example 2: Formal rejection letter

If you are writing on behalf of someone else, keep it brief and formal. Here's an example.

Example 3: Detailed rejection email

If you're prepared to provide detailed feedback, it can be highly beneficial for the job seeker. This template is a suitable sample rejection letter after the interview. It's modeled on the rejection email used by Apple.

Example 4: Personal job rejection email

If you run a business yourself and want to do something slightly different (while following our basic principles), then why not?

Are you still struggling to write that candidate rejection email? Flowrite turns sequences of words into ready-to-send email that's both personal and professional. ‍

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Sample Rejection Letters for Unsuccessful Applicants

Writing a rejection letter can be confusing sometimes since it’s a failure notification to a wide group of job applicants. Among which you truly know that some would not receive such notification if you were to increase the number of your intakes. It’s a notification that must be circulated to every unsuccessful applicant.

Rejection letters are important to notify the applicants that they have been screened out, appreciate their efforts, and motivate them while also encouraging them to apply again when there’s another job opening. Sending rejection letters to unsuccessful applicants will also show high professionalism, protect your company from discrimination and also provide the feedback for the candidate’s improvement.

Three steps are paramount when writing a rejection letter; make it brief, considerate, and straight. It is important to understand that the applicant will be disappointed, no matter how you paint your words. However, a well-composed rejection letter can reduce the heartbreak while also encouraging the applicant to keep up with his or her job search.

The following tips will guide you to prepare a standard and well-written rejection letter.

Sample Rejection letter II

This sample is for candidates that did not make it to your company’s interview list

Mark J Pospisil 2429 Emerald Dreams Drive Woodbine, KS 67492

Dear Mr. Pospisil,

Thank you for your interest in the Operation Manager position at Karen & Brooks Limited.

Unfortunately, your experience and qualification did not qualify you to participate in our interview. We are proceeding with other candidates whose qualifications closely fit our needs at this time.

Karen & Brooks Limited appreciate the time you spent on the application and wish you the best of luck in the next phase of your career. We also welcome your continued interest in our company.

Sincerely, John Doe Head of Human Resources Karen & Brooks Limited

This sample is for candidates that were not selected after your company’s interview.

Kate L Stamper 3319 Round Table Drive Dayton, OH 45402

Dear Ms Stamper,

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit Karen & Brooks Limited to interview for our open operation manager position. Your experience and credentials impressed our interview team.

Sequel to your appealing quality and the strengths we felt you would offer us in the open position, it was difficult for us to drop you for another candidate for this job position.

Though we have chosen another candidate for this position, we encourage you to consider applying for open jobs that match your experience and credentials with Karen & Brooks Limited in the future.

Your next employer will surely appreciate your skills and capabilities should you decide to continue your job search. Karen & Brooks Limited wishes you well in the next phase of your career.

Thank you once again for your interest in our company.

Sincerely, Jane Doe HR Director For the Interview Team Karen & Brooks Limited

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How to write a job rejection email (templates included)

not successful job application letter

A corporate job typically gets 250 applications. Of these applicants, about 2% to 6% are called in for an interview. Of course, the offer is made to just one.

This means that there are about 249 candidates who get rejected each time you post an ad. Chances are you’re going to have to write a  job rejection email or two.

Now, no HR professional wants to break the bad news of rejection their candidates. But informing them about their application status is important. It helps them to track their application to closure.

Otherwise, they might end up investing more time on your job listing with follow up emails or calls – only to learn that they aren’t being considered anymore. Bad candidate experiences like these can negatively impact your employer branding .

Here’s where well-written and thought-out job rejection emails come in handy. They are great tools to update your candidates’ on their application status.

Let’s now look at the job rejection email templates you can send to your applicants. You’ll need a different kind of rejection based on the different hiring stages where they end their application.

job rejection email templates pdf

1. Post-application job rejection email template

The application stage is quite an early stage in the hiring process . At this point, all that the candidates have done is sent you their resume along with any other preliminary information you might have asked for.

Generally speaking, candidates aren’t very invested at this stage. They’re not expecting to be hired on the spot and they haven’t spent too much time in the application.

This means that a rejection at this point is usually not as discouraging as getting rejected in the more advanced hiring stages.

For these candidates, send a brief job rejection email such as:

Hello [first name] , Thank you for applying to be an [role] at [company name] . While we were really impressed by your resume and you clearly show the potential of doing some great [job core responsibility like customer service, writing, testing, etc.] , we sadly can’t move forward with your application at this point. But please feel free to re-apply when you see another relevant listing at [company name] . Thank you for applying. We appreciate your effort. [your name]

Always use the candidate’s name when delivering the rejection news as this little trick personalizes the email and it doesn’t read like a robotic mass mail.

A simple response, closing out the process is all it takes to provide a polite rejection letter at this stage.

2. Post-screening job rejection email template

The screening stage is an intermediate stage in the hiring process. Usually, at this point, you would have engaged the shortlisted candidates to work on some sample specs, had a phone call with them or got them to undertake a few pre-hiring assessment tests .

Candidates at this point feel that they’re in that zone where they have a good chance at landing the job.

So they’re somewhat hopeful and have also typically invested reasonable time and effort into getting closer to getting the job. This means that rejection at this point means more than what it does at the application stage.

Send a more thoughtful job rejection email to these candidates, such as:

Hi [first name] , Thanks so much for [sending over the trial specs or taking up the assessments tests or for participating in the screening call] to be our next [role] at [company name] . We really enjoyed reviewing your performance, and while you certainly have the skills to make it big in a [marketing or writing or customer service] role and also carry a right attitude, we sadly can’t move forward with you at this point. But please do re-apply when you see another relevant listing at [company name] . Thank you for applying. We really appreciate your effort. [your name]

Consider including personalized feedback where possible. This will help you author a polite rejection letter that candidates respond well to.

3. Post-interview job rejection email template

The interviewing stage is the most advanced stage in the hiring process. The candidate job rejection email after an interview is one of the most important, especially if you’ve had them participate in a job trial day .

Usually, at this point, your candidates have already invested a lot of time and effort to get the job and will feel much more confident and closer to getting the job. This means getting rejected after the interview can be disheartening.

Candidates don’t just lose all their time and effort, but they also experience discouragement of making it so far and still not getting hired.

To these candidates, it’s important to send a detailed job rejection email like:

Hey [first-name] , Thanks so much for interviewing to be our next [role] at [company name] . We thoroughly enjoyed talking to you about your skills, experience, and job expectations. What really stood out was your [one quality about the candidate or a complex project they might have handled or any constructive feedback they can use] . We can already tell that you have a great career ahead, but unfortunately, we can’t move forward with you this time. We went with the candidate who [explain the criteria on which the candidate lost out, for example, going with a candidate who had more experience, an additional skill, or better cultural fit]. But we’d love to have you re-apply when you see another relevant listing at [company name] . Thank you for applying at [company name]. We really appreciate your effort. [your name]

Notice that this email offers specific feedback to the candidate.

Often, this is the only way to compensate these candidates for making it this far and to give them some value in return for the time and effort they invested throughout the hiring process.

Besides, this also helps them with their future interviews.

3 principles to write polite rejection letters

Generally speaking, better job rejection emails create a better candidate experience . Every candidate will respond differently to rejection. However, there are some general best practices to abide by when writing your own job rejection letters and emails.

When using these job rejection emails samples to write yours, remember:

Why you should send unsuccessful candidates rejection emails

First, it is helpful to understand why you should send rejection emails at all.

Research suggests that more than half of job candidates have to wait weeks or more to get a response from prospective employers. Some never hear anything. This makes them feel disrespected and as if their time has been wasted.

Sending a rejection email is a nice way to recognize unsuccessful candidates and all the effort they put into applying. It also prevents them from having to wait around while wondering what will happen next.

Your rejection email can also be a chance to encourage them to apply again if you want them to.

In short, sending unsuccessful candidates rejection emails makes the experience more positive for them. Not only is this the kind thing to do, but it is also suitable for your business.

Candidates who have a positive relationship with employers are more likely to apply to future open positions, refer friends, and write positive reviews on websites such as Glassdoor.

In other words, you are expanding your future hiring pool by sending rejection emails.

Tips for sending better rejections emails

Sending a rejection email is always a good thing. However, sending the well-written email is even better. Many recruiters make the mistake of sending cold and mechanical emails.

These are some tips for making your emails warmer and more human:

Examples of great emails to unsuccessful candidates

Following the above tips will help to make your rejection emails more effective.

Below are some examples of well-written rejection emails to unsuccessful candidates that you can use as inspirations.

Rejection email to a candidate who was a good fit

Hi Jane, We really appreciate you applying to the Marketing Manager position at ABC Corporation. We know that many companies are hiring, and thank you for taking the time to visit us and interview with our team. At this time, we have chosen to move forward with a different candidate whose experience more closely matches our needs. We were very impressed by your in-depth knowledge of our product line and believe you would have made a great fit with our culture. Ultimately, the decision came down to the other candidate having a little more leadership experience. We expect to have other positions open soon in our marketing department. We hope that you will not mind us reaching out about any openings that we feel you would be a good fit for. Additionally, we encourage you to apply to any positions you are interested in. The best of luck with your search. We know that you will make a great team member wherever you end up. Warm regards, John Doe Marketing Director

Rejection email to a candidate who was not a good fit

Hi Jane, We appreciate you applying to the Marketing Manager position at ABC Corporation. We know that many companies are hiring, and thank you for taking the time to visit us and interview with our team. Although you have some great skills and experience, we have decided to move forward with a different candidate whose experience more closely matches our needs. Again, we really appreciate your time and effort. If you would appreciate additional feedback, please don’t hesitate to ask. The best of luck with your search. Warm Regards, John Doe Marketing Director

Key takeaways from these examples

The above two rejection email examples apply some of the aforementioned tips.

Useful tip:

While unsuccessful candidates will always be disappointed, that doesn’t mean that the rejection email needs to be devastating.

In the example for a good candidate, the hiring manager highlighted a specific strength (that she had done significant research into the product line).

He also made clear that the reason for selecting another candidate was because of the other applicant’s leadership experience.

Following this by encouraging future applications also helps keep the door open. Since she was a good candidate, the hiring manager indicates that he is considering reaching out about other openings.

This is more positive than merely asking the person to check back for other opportunities. However, you should only include this type of language if you mean it.

He also concludes with a positive note that she will make a good fit somewhere. While this isn’t going to salve the wound from rejection completely, it does help.

The example for the poorly fit candidate is shorter and more to the point. As with any other type of communication , it is best to say less when you don’t have positive things to say. There is no reason to kick the candidate when he or she is already down.

The hiring manager thanked the candidate in the same language as the first example. Regardless of whether someone was a good candidate or not, he or she put time and effort into applying, and that deserves gratitude. Conversely, the explanation is much shorter because the hiring manager has less to say.

Additionally, the hiring manager offers a chance to get some additional feedback. This is not necessary and should only be offered if you genuinely want to be helpful.

However, this can be a best practice when hiring. Providing feedback gives a good image of your company.

By offering a chance for feedback rather than just giving it, the hiring manager puts the control in the candidate’s hands. If he or she does not need to hear why the interview went poorly, he or she doesn’t have to.

The value of better recruitment

Talent is one of the most valuable resources for any organization. After all, it is the people working on your team that make it successful.

Improving your recruitment processes can help you to accelerate your business’s success.

Sending well-written and construction emails to unsuccessful candidates is a good way to enhance your recruitment efforts.

Another way is to use Recruitee. This talent acquisition platform will help you organize and streamline your recruitment process.

‍ Learn more about how Recruitee can help your team today.

Adrie is a content strategist at Foleon, and the former Head of Content & Branding at Recruitee!

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Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

not successful job application letter

What is an Application Letter?

What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.

Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing a letter that will get your application notice, and examples of letters and email messages sent to apply for a job.

Key Takeaways

A   letter of application, also known as a  cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, explain your qualifications for the job, why you should be selected for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, today most cover letters are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

Here’s how to ensure that your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.

Get off to a direct start.  In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title and company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.

Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.

Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.

Make a good case.  Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the position, and to the company? Use this space to  emphasize your strengths .

Close with all the important details.  Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.

This is a sample cover letter.  Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.

The Balance

John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com

September 6, 2022

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.

The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:

With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Signature  (hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.

I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians to use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements. 

I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren

How to Send an Email Application Letter

If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the  subject line  of the email:

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.

Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?

Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.

How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?

One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume. Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.

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Job rejection letter sample for unsuccessful candidates

A job rejection letter informs interviewed but unsuccessful job candidates of your decision. You may wish to customize this rejection letter sample template to fit your startup’s needs.

Choosing to hire is a significant business decision for any organization, and job interviews need to planned and conducted with care. A difficult element of this recruiting process is informing unsuccessful candidates.

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Template: Job rejection letter

Use the following job rejection letter sample template to help you inform unsuccessful candidates of your decision.

Screening job candidates: Video and phone interview questions

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Your Complete Guide to Writing a Cover Letter (Plus Bonus Tips and Examples)

Hot jobs on the muse.

person sitting at a kitchen table, typing on a laptop, with a Golden Retriever standing next to them, putting its nose against their face

Ah yes, the familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples , do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like “how to write a cover letter”—which hopefully brought you here. But you still might be thinking something to the effect of: Does anyone really read cover letters? Why do they even exist?

First off: Yes, we can assure you that cover letters do, in fact, get read . To some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application . And regardless, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.

To ensure your letter is in amazing shape (and crafting it is as painless as possible), we’ve got easy-to-follow steps plus examples, a few bonus tips, and answers to frequently asked questions

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love, what do examples of cover letters look like, bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition, cover letter faqs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters).

A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note that you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials. Done well , a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience line up with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also affords you an opportunity to hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.

Instead of using cover letters to their strategic advantage, most job applicants blabber on and on about what they want, toss out bland, cliché-filled paragraphs that essentially just regurgitate their resume, or go off on some strange tangent in an effort to be unique.

Given this reality, imagine the leg up you’ll have if you learn how to do cover letters right.

OK, you’re sold on how important cover letters are. Here are eight steps to writing one that screams, “I’m a great hire!”

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template).

Yes, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and organization—which means creating a custom letter for each position.

While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company ” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re mass-applying to every job listing that pops up on LinkedIn.

At the same time, there’s nothing that says you can’t get a little help: Try out one of our free cover letter templates to make the process a bit easier.

Step 2: Add your contact info.

At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you’d like. Some contact info you might include (and the order you might include it in) is:

Note that only name and email are mandatory, and you don’t need to put a full address on a cover letter or resume anymore. A city and state (or metro area) are more than enough.

So your header might look like this:

Inigo Montoya he/him Florin Metropolitan Area [email protected] 555-999-2222

If the job posting tells you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can add your contact info at the end, after your name (and if you’d like to forgo the email address here, you can—they have it already).

So your sign off could look like this:

Violet Baudelaire she/her [email protected] 123-123-1234 https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-baudelaire/

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name.

The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Jane Smith” or just “Dear Ms. Smith”). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title, or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine. And if “Dear” feels a bit too stiff, try “Hello.” But never use generic salutations like “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

For more help, read these rules for addressing your cover letter and a few tips for how to find the hiring manager .

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader.

Your opening sets the stage for the whole cover letter. So you want it to be memorable, friendly, conversational, and hyper-relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already. But it’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (the hiring manager may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs), and yes, you could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a snappy first paragraph that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, and/or your past accomplishments.

This is a prime spot to include the “why” for your application. Make it very clear why you want this job at this company . Are you a longtime user of their products? Do you have experience solving a problem they’re working on? Do you love their brand voice or approach to product development? Do your research on the company (and check out their Muse profile if they have one) to find out.

For instance, say you’re applying for a marketing job with a company known for its incredible pies and baked goods. You might want to use your opening to mention how you love pie so much that when you were in the 4th grade, you took the blue ribbon in the National Cherry Festival pie-eating contest. Or take a look at this cover letter hook by a client of career coach and Muse writer Jenny Foss , who was working to land a leadership role at a nonprofit specializing in fire prevention:

“I have a personal interest in fire prevention that dates back to my youth. As the daughter of a nurse who worked in a hospital burns unit for many years, I grew up with significant exposure to those impacted by fire. I’d spend hours thinking about my mom’s patients, wishing there were some way to better protect people from fire.”

Read More: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job.

A common cover letter mistake is only talking about how great the position would be for you . Frankly, hiring managers are aware of that—what they really want to know is what you’re going to bring to the position and company.

So once you’ve got the opening under wraps, you should pull out a few key ideas that will make up the backbone of your cover letter. They should show that you understand what the organization is looking for and spell out how your background lines up with the position. Study the job description for hints . What problems is the company looking to solve with this hire? What skills or experiences are mentioned high up, or more than once? These will likely be the most important qualifications.

Select the three to five important qualifications that you feel you exemplify best. For instance, maybe you’re looking for an account executive role and come across a posting that excites you. You might pull out these details that match you well:

If you tend to have a hard time singing your own praises and can’t nail down your strengths, here’s a quick trick : What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? How would they sing your praises? Use the answers to inform how you write about yourself. You can even weave in feedback you’ve received to strengthen your case (occasionally, don’t overuse this!). For example:

“When I oversaw our last office move, my color-coded spreadsheets covering every minute detail of the logistics were legendary; my manager said I was so organized, she’d trust me to plan an expedition to Mars.”

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers.

Look at your list of qualifications from the previous step, and think of examples from your past that prove you have them. And go beyond your resume . Don’t just regurgitate what the hiring manager can read elsewhere. Simply put, you want to paint a fuller picture of what experiences and accomplishments make you a great hire and show off what you can sashay through their doors with and deliver once you land the job.

For example, what tells a hiring manager more about your ability to win back former clients? This: “I was in charge of identifying and re-engaging former clients.” Or this: “By analyzing past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone, I was able to bring both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the task of re-engaging former clients.”

Having trouble figuring out how to do this? Try asking yourself these questions and finding answers that line up with the qualifications you’ve chosen to focus on:

Come up with your examples, then throw in a few numbers. Hiring managers love to see stats—they show you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization you’ve worked for. Did you bring in more clients than any of your peers? Put together an impressive number of events? Make a process at work 30% more efficient? Work it into your cover letter!

Going back to the example from the last step. How could you prove that you’ll meet and exceed sales quotas if they hire you? Try something like:

“ I’ve always been very goal-oriented—whether that goal was hitting a new personal best on the swim team in college or smashing my quotas as a sales development rep for ZZZ Inc. As an SDR, I break my quarterly sales goals down month-by-month and then week-by-week—so that I always know whether I’m ahead, behind, or on-track. I also take an hour every Friday to reflect on what I could’ve done better in the previous week—so that I’m always improving. With these strategies, I’ve met my goals for meetings set 10 out of the last 10 quarters and actually averaged 114% to goal for finding leads that eventually turned into sales over every quarter last year. As an account executive for your company, I’d bring that same drive and systematic approach for meeting longer-term targets to my sales quotas. ”

Do this for each of the qualifications you want to focus on, and feel free to connect your accomplishments directly to the company. Pro tip: Use your space wisely. For more important qualifications, you might dedicate an entire paragraph, while others may only need a sentence or two.

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion.

It’s tempting to treat the final lines of your cover letter as a throwaway: “I look forward to hearing from you.” But your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the company or how you’d be a great fit for the position. You can also use the end of your letter to add important details—like, say, the fact that you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Some advice might tell you to go with a hard close: Boldly insist that you’re the one, and that you’re going to call them within a week to set up a meeting. But with over 10 years of experience as a recruiter, Foss finds this annoying. It’s one thing to be proactive and confident but, to her, this approach feels like a cheesy tactic stripped out of an old school “How to sell yourself” textbook.

Instead, try something like this:

“I believe my energy, desire to innovate, and experience as a sales leader will serve OrangePurple Co. very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next West Coast Sales Director. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.”

Then be sure to sign off professionally , with an appropriate closing and your first and last name.

Read More: 3 Cover Letter Closing Lines That Make Hiring Managers Grimace (Plus: Better Options )

Step 8: Reread and revise.

We shouldn’t have to tell you to run your cover letter through spell-check, but remember that having your computer scan for typos isn’t the same as editing . Set your letter aside for a day or even just a few hours, and then read through it again with fresh eyes—you’ll probably notice some changes you want to make.

You might even want to ask a friend or family member to give it a look. In addition to asking them if they spot any errors, you should ask them two questions:

If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.

person kneeling on floor in front of orange pillows, writing in a notebook while looking at open laptop

Here’s an example cover letter that follows this advice:

Alia Farhat San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] 444-000-1111

Hello Danny Tanaka,

If I’m being honest, I still haven’t fully gotten over the death of my first Tamagotchi pet when I was six years old. (His name was Tommy, and I’ve gotten far more creative since then, I promise.) When I was older, I discovered NeoPets and I was hooked for years—not just on the site, but on the community that surrounded it. So when I heard about FantasyPets last year, I immediately started following news about your development process, and that’s how I saw your post looking for a marketing strategist. Not only do I have eight years of experience in digital marketing, but as a lifelong gamer with a passion for pet-focused titles who’s spent years in online communities with like-minded people, I also know exactly what kind of messaging resonates with your target audience.

You’re looking for someone to help you craft a social media marketing campaign to go along with your game launch, and I’ve been a part of three launch-day marketing campaigns for mobile and web-based games. In my current role as social media manager at Phun Inc., I proposed a campaign across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok based on competitor research and analysis of our social campaigns for similar games to go along with the launch of the mobile game FarmWorld. Using my strategy of featuring both kids and adults in ads, we ended up driving over one million impressions and 80k downloads in the first three months.

I’ve always believed that the best way to find the right messaging for a game is to understand the audience and immerse myself in it as much as possible. I spend some of my research time on gaming forums and watching Twitch streams and Let’s Plays to see what really matters to the audience and how they talk about it. Of course, I always back my strategies up with data—I’m even responsible for training new members of the marketing team at Phun Inc. in Google AdWords and data visualization.

I believe that my passion for games exactly like yours, my digital marketing and market research experience, and my flair for turning data into actionable insights will help put FantasyPets on the map. I see so much promise in this game, and as a future player, I want to see its user base grow as much as you do. I appreciate your consideration for the marketing strategist role and hope to speak with you soon.

Alia Farhat

Looking for more cover letter examples? Check out these from across our site:

As you write your cover letter, here are a few more tips to consider to help you stand out from the stack of applicants:

The bottom line with cover letters is this: They matter, much more than the naysayers will have you believe. If you nail yours, you could easily go from the “maybe” pile straight to “Oh, hell yes.”

Regina Borsellino  and Jenny Foss  contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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Subject line: Interview with [ Company_name ] for the [ job_title ] position

Dear [ Candidate’s name ] / Hi [ Candidate’s name ],

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us about the [ job_title ] position. It was a pleasure getting to meet you and we think that you’d be a good fit for this role.

[ As a next step, we’d like to invite you to an interview with our CEO / VP of Engineering where you’ll have the chance to further discuss the position and ask any questions you have. ]

[ As a next step, we’d like to send you an assignment that simulates some of the job duties. It’ll give you the chance to better understand what the position entails and showcase your skills. ]

If you agree, please reply to this email and I’ll [ schedule the interview / send you the assignment along with guidelines. ] Also, feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Looking forward to hearing back from you,

[ Your name ] [ Email signature ]

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[email protected]

Dear Ernie Kelley,

Thank you for the fantastic job you have been doing for our company lately. Your hard work and dedication has really helped us out during a difficult time in our company. We just wanted to make sure you know how much you are valued and appreciated.

We know that the recent round of lay-offs has been very bad for company morale. Not only are people worried about losing their jobs, but many people are having to cover additional duties that are not part of their job descriptions. We also know that both before and during this time, you have worked tirelessly to keep your department going. Not only do you complete excellent quality work yourself but we have seen you help your coworkers as well. You come in early stay late and even use your lunch break to help pitch in and get things done. Furthermore, you do this all with a fantastic attitude and willing disposition.

Thank you Ernie for your hard work and dedication to this company both throughout the past few months and even before that. We really appreciate all that you do.

Jamya Patrick

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41+ Job Application Letter Examples

Whether you plan to change your company or apply for a job as a fresher, a job application will help you bring a step closer to your dream job and employment templates . The job application letter highlights your related qualifications and experience also gives you the chance to improve your job resume and also, increase the chances of receiving a call letter for the interview .

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