The prompt
Score 10 of 10, Excellent
Use it when You were turned down after an interview and want to reply graciously, ask for useful feedback, and stay in the running for future roles.
- {{recipient}}
- {{rejection}}
- {{role_and_stage}}
- {{feedback_wanted}}
- {{future_interest}}
- {{word_limit}}
Full prompt and why it works
Prompt
Write a reply to the rejection message below, for me to send to {{recipient}}, so that I leave a good last impression, have a real chance of getting feedback I can use, and stay in mind for future openings. The rejection message: """ {{rejection}} """ Role and stage I reached: {{role_and_stage}} What I would most like feedback on: {{feedback_wanted}} Whether I want to be considered for other roles there, and which kind: {{future_interest}} Structure: 1. Thanks for letting me know and for their time, in one or two sentences. 2. One short, specific feedback question that can be answered in a few lines. Hiring teams often cannot give detailed feedback, so ask about one thing, and say a brief reply is welcome. 3. My continued interest, if I have it, naming the kind of role. 4. A friendly close. Keep it under {{word_limit}} words. It should sound gracious and composed. A good reply is one the recruiter would be glad to forward to the hiring manager. For example, the form of the feedback question: "If you're able to share it, was there one area where my experience or answers fell short for this role?" This example shows the form only. Do not argue with the decision, ask them to reconsider, mention other offers, or ask several questions at once, because each of those makes a reply less likely. Do not invent details about the interview that I have not given. If the rejection says they do not give feedback, leave out the feedback question and say so in a note to me above the draft. After the draft, give me 3 questions to ask myself about the interview while it is fresh, so I learn something even if they never reply.
Variables
- {{recipient}}
- Who sent the rejection, for example "the recruiter, Alex".
- {{rejection}}
- The rejection message, pasted in full.
- {{role_and_stage}}
- The role and how far you got, for example "project coordinator, final round with the panel".
- {{feedback_wanted}}
- The one thing you most want to know, for example "whether my technical answers were the gap".
- {{future_interest}}
- Whether you want to be considered again, and for what. Write "no" if not.
- {{word_limit}}
- The maximum length, for example 120.
Why it works
- Length. It asks one feedback question, because a recruiter can answer one in two lines but will put off a list.
- What to avoid. No arguing, no request to reconsider and no mention of other offers, the moves that make a reply less likely.
- If unsure. If the rejection says no feedback is given, the question is dropped and you are told why, so the reply does not ignore what they said.