Confusing Rejection Letter

[Clyde]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum, but I've been reading through it quite a bit and have found a lot of helpful information. I recently applied for a job that was a huge long shot (as in, I was assuming my application would not even be considered), and I received an email from the HR department that actually led me to believe my application was being considered. A few weeks later, I found out that the first email was supposed to be a rejection letter. I'm hoping to get some feed back on what your assumption would be had you received this letter. I just don't see it as being a very clear rejection letter, which I feel a rejection letter should be.

"Thank you submitting your application materials to the ***** in response to our ***** job announcement. The initial screening process is complete and I’m writing to let you know that your application will remain on file while we continue our search. As we continue to receive and screen applications, a determination will be made to invite the top candidates to an interview near mid-August.

Your time and interest in working for the Town is very much appreciated. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. "

Thanks for your feedback!

[Raf]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum, but I've been reading through it quite a bit and have found a lot of helpful information. I recently applied for a job that was a huge long shot (as in, I was assuming my application would not even be considered), and I received an email from the HR department that actually led me to believe my application was being considered. A few weeks later, I found out that the first email was supposed to be a rejection letter. I'm hoping to get some feed back on what your assumption would be had you received this letter. I just don't see it as being a very clear rejection letter, which I feel a rejection letter should be.

"Thank you submitting your application materials to the ***** in response to our ***** job announcement. The initial screening process is complete and I’m writing to let you know that your application will remain on file while we continue our search. As we continue to receive and screen applications, a determination will be made to invite the top candidates to an interview near mid-August.

Your time and interest in working for the Town is very much appreciated. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. "

Thanks for your feedback!

Although not crystal clear, it is a pretty easier to decipher:

They recieved it..
the telling sentence

your application will remain on file while we continue our search

Which means, you didn't make the cut.

[Clyde]

I can appreciate that, but I just wish that a rejection letter was more clear. Its not like you're going to hurt my feelings any less by sugar coating it and making it confusing. Also, is it standard to include information on when they will be conducting interviews if your application is being rejected? I think that's what created additional confusion for me.

[Raf]

I can appreciate that, but I just wish that a rejection letter was more clear. Its not like you're going to hurt my feelings any less by sugar coating it and making it confusing. Also, is it standard to include information on when they will be conducting interviews if your application is being rejected? I think that's what created additional confusion for me.

It is just a poorly written rejection letter, and no it is not standard to include that info... from our last recruitment:

Thank you for applying for the position of [position] for the City of [city].

The goal of the screening committee is to review all applications received for this position and to select the candidates to be interviewed from among those applications which most closely meet the requirements of the position as well as the current needs of the City.

Unfortunately, due in part to the extremely high volume (over 300) responses received from very highly qualified candidates for this particular recruitment, your application is no longer being considered for this position

[dw914er]

Raf's letter and the one you received are telling two slightly different things. Your letter is essentially saying that they did not find what they were originally looking for, and I assume the agency planned to reopen the application process and see if they can find something closer to what they were looking for. However, since they did not fill the position or significantly narrow down the pool, they would retain your application on file. You were not outright rejected, which would have been the case with Raf's letter, but it still does not look too favorable. It's the Dumb and Dumber "so you're saying I still have a chance" sorta thing.

Just my .02 from when I was in your position.

[dvdneal]

Some places just keep your resume on file for "similar" jobs. I think that's their way of telling you, although it was poorly written. Phoenix does the same thing, but they spell it out that they aren't interviewing you. Like they said though, there's still a chance!

[Whose Yur Planner]

Look at this way, at least they sent you a letter. However so poorly written, they politely told you that you didn't make the cut and did some legal CYA. I've gotten my share of those types of letters.

[Backstrom]

Unless you get something that explicitly says you're being invited for an interview or further consideration, your best bet is to assume that it's a rejection.

But I agree with others, it is very poorly written.