Application acknowledgement (not able to contact candidate) letter template

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If you receive a job application for a suitable vacancy but have not been able to contact the applicant, send this model letter to acknowledge receipt and ask them to make contact.
- 1 page / 121 words
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text
- Suitable for worldwide use (but check local legislation)
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Application acknowledgement (not able to contact candidate) letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Re: [insert job title]
I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your recent job application for the [Position Name] role at our organisation. We appreciate the time and effort you took to submit your application and we thank you for
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A job application acknowledgement letter when unable to contact the candidate is a formal communication sent by an employer or hiring manager to acknowledge receipt of a job application, but without being able to contact the candidate.
This letter typically acknowledges the candidate's application and expresses appreciation for their interest in the position, but notes that the organisation has been unable to reach the candidate despite their best efforts. The letter may also encourage the candidate to reach out to the organisation if they become available or interested in the position in the future.
Direction:
Compliance
Compliance
This Application acknowledgement (not able to contact candidate) letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
- Equality Act 2010: Ensures that applicants are treated fairly and without discrimination during the application process based on protected characteristics such as age, gender, race, disability, religion, and sexual orientation.
- Data Protection Act 2018: Requires organisations to handle and process applicant data securely and in accordance with data protection principles, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with privacy laws.
- Employment Rights Act 1996: Imposes a duty on employers to provide written terms and conditions of employment, which may include acknowledgment of job applications as part of the recruitment process.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Provides guidelines for the lawful processing of personal data, requiring organisations to obtain explicit consent from applicants for storing and processing their personal information.
- Human Rights Act 1998: Protects the right to privacy and a fair and just recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are treated with dignity and respect throughout the application process.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Application acknowledgement (not able to contact candidate) letter template, to understand the workflow.

Job application form
If you are recruiting into your organisation, this model job application form template will help you to review candidates consistently and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Application acknowledgement (not able to contact candidate) letter template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. Like the Application acknowledgement (not able to contact candidate) letter template, all of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise this template for my organisation?
Yes, in the Application acknowledgement (not able to contact candidate) letter template, as with all of our templates, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access to the template?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download the Application acknowledgement (not able to contact candidate) letter template instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include the Application acknowledgement (not able to contact candidate) letter template along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need a complete HR library.