Nobody likes emails that basically say “thanks but no thanks.” But what do you do when you get them? Do you just trash them, or do you write back?
Chances are that whatever you’re doing is a lot better than Ask A Manager’s examples of what NOT to write, such as “You’re making a mistake; I’d be a great candidate.” Or the equally pushy “I’d think I’m at least worth an interview.”
Of course, rejected applicants really do write back things like that, or worse, especially in the heat of the moment. Ask A Manager makes a good case for a cooling-off period: wait a day or so before writing back: a simple thanks for letting you know might be enough.
But be sure to do it. It’s in your own best interests to write back in an positive way, if only to keep the lines of communication open. That company may not be a job for you now — they’ve been so busy hiring the wrong people! But there just might be a job there for you in the future, as long as you don’t come across as a pushy brat after this first disappointment.
