# Candidate Rejection Scripts Four scripts for the four stages a "no" can happen at. Pick the one that matches how far the candidate got, edit for the specific situation, and send. Fast. --- ## The rules before you write anything - **Short is kind.** Long rejections read as guilt. Get to the point. - **Don't over-explain.** "This isn't the right fit" is a complete sentence. You don't owe her a diagnosis. - **Don't leave the door open unless you mean it.** "If timing changes, reach out" is a lie 95% of the time — cut it. - **Sign off warmly.** "xx" or "Truly, Jen" both land right. - **Send quickly.** Sitting on it is more painful for her, not less. Same day or next. - **Don't debate.** If she pushes back, send the same message once more. Don't get pulled in. - **Never text one candidate about another.** No "we found someone" — just "not the right fit." --- ## Script 1 · Early rejection *For candidates you're passing on after their application or first DM exchange — before any real conversation.* > Hey [name] — thanks so much for reaching out and sharing a little about yourself. After sitting with it, I don't think this is the right fit on my end. I really appreciate you putting your hat in the ring, and I'm wishing you the very best in your next chapter. xx **When to use:** their application didn't match what you're looking for, but you liked them enough to write personally instead of ghosting. --- ## Script 2 · After a phone screen *For candidates who had a real conversation with you but you're not moving to shadow day.* > Hey [name] — thank you again for taking the time to hop on with me the other day. I really enjoyed getting to know you. After sitting with our conversation, I don't think this is the right fit for what I'm building here. It's not a reflection on you — the arc I'm offering just doesn't line up with where you're headed, and I'd rather be honest with you now than waste either of our time. Wishing you all the best going forward. Truly — thank you. xx > — Jen **When to use:** she gave you 20 minutes on the phone. She deserves a warmer, more personal message than Script 1. --- ## Script 3 · After a shadow day *For candidates who came in, gave you a real day, and you decided no.* > Hey [name] — thank you so much for coming in the other day and giving me time in the space. It really meant a lot that you showed up and put in the effort. After sitting with it, I don't think this is the right fit for either of us. Nothing you did wrong — the energy just wasn't quite the click I need for this specific role. I have a lot of respect for you for showing up and doing the day, and I'm rooting for you as you figure out what's next. Truly. xx > — Jen **When to use:** she drove out, spent a day, invested effort. She deserves the most personal and gracious of the three "no" versions. --- ## Script 4 · The runner-up *For a strong candidate you actually liked but you chose someone else. Send only after you've officially offered the role to your finalist AND she's accepted.* > Hey [name] — I wanted to reach out personally because this decision was genuinely hard. You came in with such [warmth / thoughtfulness / genuine curiosity — pick one that fits her] and it meant a lot to me. I've decided to move forward with another candidate for this specific role, but I want you to know that if the timing had been slightly different or things line up down the road, I'd love to stay in touch. Wishing you the very best out there. Really. xx > — Jen **When to use:** she was a real contender. This is the ONE script where "stay in touch" is not a lie — because she genuinely might be your next hire, or a referral source, or a future collaborator. Only send it if you mean it. --- ## What if she doesn't reply to your first outreach? *The Teegan situation — you reached out, she went silent.* **Don't chase.** That's the answer. Krista's line: *"That's how it goes a lot of the time."* Silence is her rejection of you, which saves you having to write one to her. Move on. Don't send a follow-up. Don't overthink it. If she reappears in a month asking if the role is still open, THEN you decide. --- ## After you send - **If she asks why**, you can say: *"Honestly, it just came down to fit. I don't have a specific critique — I just had to trust my read. I'm not the right person for you, and I want you to find someone who is."* Then stop. - **If she pushes back or gets upset**, don't engage. Send: *"I hear you, and I respect however you feel. I'm confident in my decision. Wishing you well."* Then you're done. - **If she asks for feedback for future interviews**, and you feel like giving it, keep it to ONE specific behavioral thing you observed. Not a personal critique. If you don't want to give it, "I don't feel qualified to give you interview feedback — I'd trust the schools and other stylists you'll talk with more than me on that." --- ## What NOT to say - *"I'm so sorry"* — you're not sorry. Don't fake it. - *"You're amazing, but…"* — flattery before a no reads as manipulation. - *"We really liked you, but…"* — you're a solo studio. There's no "we." - *"Maybe next time"* — unless you mean it (Script 4 only). - *"Please stay in touch"* — same. Only if you mean it. - Anything about the person you DID hire. She doesn't need to know. --- The whole thing in one line: **Kind, quick, clear, done.** Send it, close the tab, move on to the next candidate.