Ask an HR Pro: Is It Okay to Tell a Candidate Why They Didn't Get the Job?

The job search can be a long and frustrating process, and one of the most disappointing parts is not getting the job you want. When a candidate doesn’t get the job, it’s important to let them know as soon as possible. But should you also tell them why they didn't get the job? That’s the question we asked Chrisanne Bowden, iHire’s Senior HR Consultant, in this month’s Ask an HR Pro.

Telling a Candidate They Didn’t Get the Job

“First of all, it’s important to inform the candidate they were not hired,” Bowden said. “All too often, this important step is missed.”

Communicating with candidates is paramount, especially if they are no longer being considered for the position. In fact, 81% of job seekers want to be notified if they are no longer in the running for a role, according to iHire’s What Candidates Want: 2023 Job Seeker Report. Additionally, 38.7% of job seekers said they would be less likely to interact with a brand in the future if they apply for a job and don’t hear back.

“Telling a candidate they didn’t get the job is rarely pleasant,” Bowden continued. “But not doing so could make it harder to pipeline that person, and it could hurt your employer brand in the long run. So, be sure to communicate your decision at the very least.”

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How to Tell a Candidate They Didn’t Get the Job

When asked the best way to communicate that a candidate is no longer being considered for the position, Bowden recommended email.

“The candidate should receive a kindly composed email informing them that the company appreciates their time and interest, but will be moving forward with other candidates,” she advised.

In general, email is the preferred method of communication for job seekers, with 79.2% favoring that channel. Use the templates found in this article to help you craft your responses. You don’t need to provide a reason in the first email, but if they follow up and ask for one, remember to keep it neutral. However, adding some personalization will be appreciated, especially by candidates who were farther along in the process.

Should You Tell a Candidate Why They Didn’t Get the Job?

So, what about telling the candidate why they didn’t get the job? Bowden said you can tell them, but it’s important to remain impartial and stay clear of personal criticisms.

“Candidates will sometimes then ask for feedback as to why they were not chosen,” Bowden said. “It’s generally ideal to remain neutral and high-level, not drilling down to specific characteristics that the candidate was lacking. While the person may feel they want to know why they were not offered the job, critical feedback could be hurtful or even result in discrimination-type claims.”

For example, if the candidate was unqualified, you can say, “We have decided to pursue candidates whose qualifications more closely match the position.”

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to tell a candidate why they didn’t get the job is up to you. However, if you do decide to provide feedback, be sure to do so in a way that is respectful, helpful, and constructive. For more tips on how to provide a better candidate experience, check out our Employer Resource Center, or download our What Candidates Want: 2023 Job Seeker Report.