Below is the text (unedited except for identifying names) from a rejection letter I received from a local firm. I am posting it because it is an awesome fucking rejection letter! Never in my life have I ever gotten a letter like this, so I am hoping you all will love it as much as I did.
“Keep on trucking”
July 1st, 2009
Thank you for taking the time to respond to our search for an architect to join our emerging architecture firm. I recognize that we set a high bar for both qualifications and submittal requirements, and I appreciate your response to both.
The quantity of qualified applicants was unbelievable. I did take the time to read each of the resumes, cover letters, responses to our questions, and letters of recommendation. We received resumes from over fifty individuals in the Portland area, many whom I have known and respected for years.
I also received inquiries from a number of architects with their own firms inquiring about my interest in joining forces, strategic partnerships, and creative approaches of working together. There is such an abundance of pent-up creativity amongst the architects in our area that we will soon be unleashing a tidal wave of innovation upon the design of our built environment and how we work.
I have been through two major recessions, first in the 80’s in the Boulder/Denver area and then in the San Francisco area during the early 1990’s. Both times resulted in introspection, economic setbacks, career reassessments, and relocations. It was hard. I know that for most of those who applied for our architect position that now is a challenging time for you. I feel your apprehension and frustration.
There is little I can share with you to reconcile any disappointment you might feel as a result of my hiring someone other than yourself to fill this position. Though this is a generic letter to all of the candidates, there is over a 90% probability that you met most, if not all, of the criteria.
I found myself reluctant to offer the position to anyone who was already employed. These are economically volatile times, and the thought of hiring an individual from another firm (with the possibility of not having work for them in six months) was a risk I preferred to sidestep.
We are witnessing some encouraging signals that an economic turn-about is in the works. Between October of 2008 and March of this year, we had over eight projects placed on hold. In the past two months, three of those projects have come back to life. During June, we received at least one call per week from prospective clients.
We plan to hold on to your resume and hope that we will have the opportunity to consider you in the future. Don’t hesitate to check in with our office at Admin@XXX.com to keep us posted of your potential interest and whereabouts.
Gratefully,
(XXX XXX), AIA
