A Surprising Trick That Actually Works
When someone gets a rejection email—especially one written by a real recruiter and not a robot—it’s easy to ignore it and move on. But replying with a short, polite “thank you” can sometimes change everything.
One person did just that. They thanked the recruiter for considering them and said they were still interested if anything changed. The very next day, they got invited for an interview. No big speech. Just a kind reply.
Simple Flow
Rejection email ➜ Check if it’s from a real person ➜ Send a short thank you ➜ Stay polite ➜ Sometimes, it leads to an interview
Why It Can Work
-
It shows professionalism.
Most people don’t reply to rejections, so a kind, polite response stands out. -
It reminds the recruiter you’re human.
Many hiring teams deal with hundreds of applicants. A personal reply breaks the pattern. -
Sometimes spots reopen.
Candidates back out or change their minds. When that happens, recruiters look for someone who’s easy to work with—and polite replies leave a good impression.
What to Say (Simple Examples)
Here are a few short replies that anyone can use:
Reply 1:
“Thanks for letting me know. If anything changes, I’d still love to be considered.”
Reply 2:
“Appreciate the update. Please keep me in mind for future roles—especially if anything opens up in [City Name].”
Reply 3:
“Thanks for the opportunity. Hope to work together someday in the future.”
What Others Have Shared
- Some said they replied to a rejection and later got an interview.
- Others didn’t get the job—but still got noticed and added to future hiring lists.
- A few shared funny or bold responses that still got attention (though not always recommended!).
Even hiring managers joined the conversation, saying polite replies make a difference—especially when they come from real people and not AI-written cover letters.
When to Use This Tip
Yes, send a reply if:
- The email came from a real person (not “noreply@…”).
- The message felt personal.
- There’s still genuine interest in the company or role.
Skip it if:
- The email was fully automated and clearly generic.
- The tone would come off rude, sarcastic, or pushy.
Final Thought
Rejections are tough. Most people don’t even hear back. But a kind reply can turn a “no” into a “maybe”—and sometimes even into a “yes.” It takes less than a minute, costs nothing, and might open the door again later.
Sometimes, being polite is more powerful than people think.