How to Gently Write Rejecting Overqualified Candidates’ Email (Plus Examples)
How to Gently Write Rejecting Overqualified Candidates’ Email (Plus Examples)
If your job posting is an entry-level role, you may get your share of overqualified candidates who are more suitable for advanced positions. However, hiring experienced employees can be advantageous because they are more productive and display better performance. You don’t have to spend much time training them, which lowers costs, and you can promote them more quickly.
Still, some disadvantages of employing overqualified candidates include:
Demand for higher pay Experienced employees often expect to get a higher salary than fresh hires.
The lack of challenge Because they don’t find the tasks challenging, overqualified employees may get bored quickly and lose motivation.
Resistance to change or supervision These employees already know their roles inside and out, so they might not be open to change and direction from superiors.
High chance for a turnover Employees get bored quickly if their job doesn’t keep them on their toes. Some won’t hesitate to leave their post once a better offer comes along.
Turning down overqualified candidates can get challenging. But you can do so professionally and respectfully with a correct rejection email.
Ensure that you include these elements for your rejection email to be effective and straightforward.
Your gratitude Start your email on a positive note by thanking the candidate for their time spent on sending an application and interest in the role.
The reason for rejection State concisely and clearly why you’re declining the candidate’s application. Explain how the position does not match their skills and broad experience.
Your intention to keep their resume on file To soften the blow, the next best thing you can offer is to keep their resume, so you can contact them if future opportunities arise. However, if there is no chance of hiring them, don’t mention this and wish them the best of luck.
An invitation to follow the company’s updates If the candidate is genuinely interested in landing a position in your company, they would be glad to subscribe to your website and social media platforms. This way, they are immediately alerted of job openings and other developments.
A professional sign-off To show your sincerity in keeping in touch, end your letter with your contact information, preferably your email address. This leaves a good impression on candidates and improves your company branding.
Version 1: With an invitation to keep in touch
Subject Line: Your application to ____(company) as _____(position)
Dear ________(name),
Thank you for sending your application for the _____(position) role. Your resume was impressive, especially your extensive experience.
However, we have chosen a different candidate for this position. Given your professional experience, you seem better fitted for a higher position. If you are still interested in working for our company, we will keep your resume on our active file and contact you when a more suitable post opens up.
Thanks again for your interest in _____(company). We wish you the best of luck.
Sincerely,
(signature)
___________ (name)Version 2
: Without an invitation to keep in touch
Subject line: Your Application for ______ (position) at ______(company)
Dear ________(name),
We hope you are well.
After carefully deliberating your qualifications, we regret to inform you that we have decided not to proceed with your application.
While your experience and skills are impressive, we feel that you are overqualified for the position. Our company needs someone with the specific skills and level of competence to fill the role.
We are grateful that you took the time to send us your application. Your background and expertise would be valuable to any organisation. We hope that your job search will lead to favourable results.
Thank you for considering _________(company). as your potential employer.
Sincerely,
(signature)
__________ (name)Sending a rejection email to overqualified candidates gives jobseekers closure and shows respect for their time and effort. It also emphasises your professionalism, giving your company a positive image while allowing candidates to move on with their job search.
This candidate may be qualified for a future role with the company, if you find yourself wanting to recruit them again, shoot them an email for consideration with this template.
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