Sending Regrets to Internal Candidates

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Overview

The Internal Candidates Regrets Script document is a series of scripts and script components used to communicate to an internal applicant in a formal manner that they will not be proceeding further in the interview process. The letter is always presented during an in-person meeting by the Hiring Manager of an open position for which an internal staff member applied. 

It’s important to communicate clearly and carefully with unsuccessful internal candidates as soon as you know they’ve been eliminated from competition for a position. 

The way you communicate ‘No thank you’ to an internal employee is crucial to the maintenance of your relationship with that employee.  It is very important that employees who have applied for internal positions are treated with dignity. This includes closing the loop with them and communicating that they were not selected for the position.

Be open with internal applicants about why they were not selected for an open position, especially if the individual has been identified as a high performer.  If a high performing employee feels that there is no opportunity to progress in your company, they will look for opportunities elsewhere.

Why use the Internal Candidate Regrets Scripts?

• A carefully worded message ensures you maintain positive relationships with staff who have applied for other positions in the company. The way you communicate ‘No thank you’ to an internal employee is crucial to the maintenance of your relationship with that employee
• It can be difficult to come up with the right words to write such a letter or email.  Offering a script to help the Manager get started is much better than having to start with a blank page.

What you risk by not using the Internal Candidate Regrets Scripts?

• If this type of message is not delivered with care and sincerity, it will leave a lasting unfavorable impression on the Company and will result in hurt feelings for the affected employee that could have been avoided. 
• If the person receiving the message is a high performer, they may feel they are not valued by the Company and may look elsewhere. 
• Your managers procrastinate until it's too awkward to communicate the message. 
• Your managers learn to avoid and don't get practice delivering uncomfortable messages. 

Internal Candidate Regrets Scripts