Small Biz Prompts

Write kind candidate rejection emails

Write respectful rejection emails for applicants at each stage, from not shortlisted to final-round, so every candidate gets a timely, decent answer.

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The prompt

Write candidate rejection emails for the [ROLE] position at [BUSINESS NAME].

Write three versions:
1. Applicants not selected for an interview (short, sent within a week of applying).
2. Candidates who had one interview.
3. Final-round candidates who were strong but not chosen. Include a line offering to keep them in mind for future roles [only if true], and an optional sentence with one piece of genuine feedback: [FEEDBACK, or leave blank].

Rules:
- Use their name and the role title.
- Thank them sincerely for their time, in proportion to how much time they spent.
- Be clear that the decision is final, without long explanations.
- Do not mention anything related to age, family, health, religion, background or other protected characteristics.
- Each email under 120 words, with a subject line.

Replace every [BRACKETED] part with your own details before sending.

How to use it

Send rejections promptly; silence is the most common complaint candidates have. For final-round candidates, a short phone call is even better than the email.

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