If Rejection Letters Are Automated, Why Isn’t Feedback?

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I’ve always found it fascinating, yet frustrating, that technology has advanced to the point where it can automatically screen resumes, schedule interviews, and send out rejection emails in seconds. Yet, when it comes to providing candidates with honest feedback, silence is still the norm.

Think about it: candidates spend hours tailoring resumes, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews. Some even take days off work to attend multiple rounds of conversations. And when they’re not chosen, all they get is a generic “We’ve decided to move forward with other candidates.” That’s it, end of story.

In some cases, they don’t even get that much — just a void.

For candidates, the experience is demoralizing. For companies, it’s a missed opportunity. Because here’s the reality most organizations miss: feedback isn’t just a courtesy. It’s part of the employer brand. It’s part of the candidate experience. And in an era where every company claims to care about talent, it feels inconsistent to hide behind automation only when it comes to the part that actually helps people grow.

What’s Stopping Employers?

I’ve heard the common reasons:

• “It takes too much time.” Hiring managers don’t have the capacity.

• “It’s risky.” Feedback could be misinterpreted, leading to complaints or even legal issues.

• “It won’t matter.” The candidate is moving on anyway.

However, here’s the counterpoint: if rejection notices can be automated, why not feedback as well? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) already score and filter candidates. Companies already know which skills were missing, which experiences didn’t align, or why a candidate wasn’t advanced.

Imagine if that information were packaged into an automated message, not as a harsh critique but as a roadmap:

• Highlighting the top 2–3 gaps between a candidate’s application and the job description.

• Offering a brief explanation of what skills or experiences were prioritized.

• Suggesting a resource, skill certification, or growth area for the future.

That isn’t just kind — it’s transformational.

Why Feedback Matters More Than Ever

The modern workforce is hungry for growth. We live in a world where learning platforms, online certificates, and coaching opportunities are everywhere. But none of it matters if people don’t know what to work on.

• For candidates: Feedback builds trust, provides clarity, and helps them adjust for their next opportunity, rather than blindly applying.

• For companies: It strengthens reputation, keeps rejected candidates in the pipeline, and demonstrates respect for every applicant’s time and energy. It’s also a competitive edge—job seekers talk, and the company known for giving feedback will stand out.

• For the industry: It redefines fairness in hiring. Instead of a one-sided process where only employers hold the cards, it becomes a two-way exchange of value.

A Future Worth Building

If we can automate rejection, we can automate growth. Feedback doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. It just has to exist. Even a few lines can turn a “no” into a learning moment instead of a closed door.

And maybe, just maybe, the real differentiator in the war for talent won’t be salary, free snacks, or flexible schedules. It will be the companies that choose to treat candidates like humans, not just applications. The companies that recognize the long game: today’s rejected candidate could be tomorrow’s perfect hire, brand ambassador, or even client.

💬 What do you think? Would you want automated feedback, even if it was short and simple? Or do you believe feedback should always come from a person?

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At Lighted Lanterns Consulting, we help both job seekers and organizations shine a light on what’s possible. Whether it’s building stronger career strategies, improving the candidate experience, or preparing leaders for what’s next, I believe small changes can have a lasting impact. If you’re an HR leader, recruiter, or job seeker, I’d love to hear your perspective. Let’s start a conversation about how we can move from rejection to growth, one step at a time.