I wrote a stinging letter to an employer who rejected me. Was that wise?

June 19, 2026 — 5:01am

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

Years ago, I applied for a role with a large organisation. It was a rigorous interview process and I got through to the final stage.

I dedicated hours to preparing and applying, but until the very end I thought it had been worth it. From everything I had seen and heard in the interactions with various members of the organisation, this seemed a true dream job. I was so excited by the opportunity. Then I was met with two months of silence.

I wrote to the organisation. I have passed on my letter in full. I was curious about whether you thought I’d acted impetuously in writing or whether there was some justification in sending off my letter.

Sending the letter was the right thing to do. It was beautifully written; it demonstrated your genuine enthusiasm for the role, underscored how much effort you’d put into your application and various interviews, and then conveyed your deep disappointment. Yes, it was pointed at the end, but after eight weeks of silence, there was no need to be tentative.

And, in fact, as Professor Carol Kulik from the School of Management at Adelaide University told me, the organisation could have benefited from the forthright closing paragraphs.

“When........

© Brisbane Times