How to Reject Job Candidates the Right Way - Spark Hire

How to Reject Job Candidates the Right Way - Spark HireYou finally found the perfect candidate for your open position, and they accepted your offer. Its time to celebrate But, before you break out the balloons, theres one last thing you have to do tell all of the other candidates the position has been filled.Rejecting candidates isnt fun and can be uncomfortable for everyone involved. When those candidates are close runner-ups, letting them down and letting them go hurts. Although you dont want to reject anyone, you have to theres no way around it.Fortunately, there are ways to make rejection easier for you and job candidates. Let candidates down the right way with these rejection tips 1. Be helpfulWhen following up with a candidate who doesnt make the cut, the most generous thing a manager can do is offer solid feedback. Gently coaching the candidate on how they might approach the situation differently in the next interview is a thoughtful gesture on the part of the manager and ha s practical value for the candidate.If the candidate is talented, but just not the right fit for the organization, its not uncommon for a good-hearted manager to offer to connect the candidate with other managers or organizations that might be a better fit.Cheri Farmer, Principal Consultant, Grace Bay GroupWhen rejecting candidates, offer solid feedback cheri_spetsHowToRejectJobCandidatesClick To Tweet2. Keep your brand in mindA recruiter should consider a rejection letter to a job candidate an extension of the companys brand and an example of the corporate culture. A rejection letter should show careful attention to language, ensuring it is straightforward, thanks to the candidate for their time and effort, and wishes them luck in their search.There is no need for a harsh tone or for an explanation as to why they didnt get the job. The letter should be timely, going out as soon as a decision is made not to go forward with the candidate.When someone is a close second, it is accepta ble to write that, although they werent a fit for the role, you enjoyed meeting them, thought highly of their work experience and background, and wish them well. A recruiter can say they will keep them in mind for future open positions, but only if they truly mean it. Dont give a rejected candidate false hope, as it could engender a negative view of your brand.Lela Reynolds, Senior Career Consultant?, Resume StrategistsThe rejection letter should be an extension of the company brand ResumeStratgstsCompanyCultureClick To Tweet3. Stay connectedIn a situation where you see the candidate as an employee of yours in the future, you can let them know that they can be considered for future job openings if theyre interested.Ask to connect with the candidate on LinkedIn, and say in your letter that you will keep them notified about future openings. If you already have an established relationship with this person whom you can see becoming a valuable employee in the future for a different posi tion, the hiring process will be a lot easier.Jennifer Lee Magas, Vice President, Magas Media Consultants, LLCDo you ask job candidates to connect on LinkedIn? Tips of why you should from Soul0fWitClick To TweetHow do you let top candidates down easy? Let us know how you reject job candidatesin the comments below