It’s important in the hiring process to keep your options open. Consider each candidate fairly; assess them based on their skills, goals, and attitude for the job. During these unprecedented times with unemployment rates soaring – there is going to be a spike in available and potential job candidates, but it’s going to be your job to navigate this new saturated pool of workers to find the ideal employee. You’ll come across a lot of great talent, but chances are you’ll also come across many candidates that just aren’t right for the position. Learning how to reject a job candidate properly and professionally can go far in preserving the image of your company and can even invite candidates to reapply for positions more suited to them. There are a few intricacies of rejecting a job candidate properly, so be sure to read ahead.
Turn Away Early in The Process
It’s important to know when in the hiring process to turn someone down. Ideally, you should let a candidate know as soon as you’re aware they aren’t the right fit. It’s best not to lead your candidates on with multiple interviews if you know they won’t be the one getting the job. It’s also not good practice to leave the candidate hanging without letting them know that you’ll be moving forward with another applicant. If they’re early on in the application process, a simple but polite email will be enough to turn them down. If you’ve met with them, had an interview, or spoken with them on the phone, a phone call would be a better way to kindly reject them for the position.
Get to The Point Quick
Be direct about their rejection. Let them know plainly that while you appreciated their application and their time, you will be moving forward with another applicant. You don’t have to disclose that you found someone more qualified, or with a different skill set, but you don’t want to leave them confused after your rejection email or phone call. If you’re interested in their skill set for another position, let them know they should reapply, but for now, you won’t need them for this position.
Don’t Lead a Candidate On
It’s important to act quickly when you know you won’t be moving ahead with a candidate’s application. The last thing you want to do is leave someone hanging, wondering whether or not they’ll be contacted about the position. This can cause a lot of unnecessary stress for your applicant, and when they find out that all their waiting was for nothing, they may have a negative view of your company.
It’s not always easy to reject a good worker when you find a better person for the job. Keep in mind that you are representing your company to future talent during the entirety of the hiring process, so being clear and professional are the best ways to represent yourself. Reject a job candidate with respect and professionalism, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.