Rejection Emails Should Be Written Like Error Messages

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Dear Companies,

You need to do a little bit better when sending out rejection emails.

First, thank you for even sending one. You’re already in the top 10% for not completely ghosting me (and yes I keep records of my job hunting results).

But if I can make a request, and I know I don’t have a right to make this request:

Be more direct. Tell me I’m not going to be hired in the first sentence.

Interviewing on Justin McGuire's Programming Blog

Rejection Emails Should Be Written Like Error Messages