Telling someone they didn't get the job - phone or email?

[TomaytoTomaato]

I'm recruiting to my team over the next few days - first time I've led recruitment (I'm not HR - we're a very small company).

I'll call the preferred candidate to offer them the job (followed up by an emailed offer letter), but what's the best way to turn down unsuccessful candidates - phone or email?

If I call and they don't answer, is it ok to leave a voicemail to say I'm following up after their interview and say I'll drop them an email. Then put the news in the email but say I'm happy for them to call me if they would like feedback?

How would you prefer to get the news?

Phone always.

What level position is it, how many interviews have they had? If it's low level email would be fine, if I've had multiple interviews I would want a phone call

We do it by email so they don’t have to react ‘live’ on the phone, but with a name and number to call for feedback. It’s much kinder.

I would prefer this ^

Email! I'd think I'd got the job if i saw you calling. I think an email with the offer to call for feedback is perfect 😊

I always call and offer a second call for feedback if they would like it. It's uncomfortable but they likely spent a lot of time preparing and took the time to attend so the least they deserve is your actual time. Mostly I tell them that it wasn't because they didn't do well it was just someone else's experience, qualifications or answers were a better fit on the day because that is the truth.

I can tell by the first breath that I didn't get a job.

Email

I'd also appreciate this.

Email. But most places don't bother at all IME.

Always email!

Another one who would prefer this.

Although the main thing is that I get told somehow - I’m still waiting to hear back about a job I interviewed for in 2009…

I really feel strongly that if somebody has taken the time to attend an interview you should call to tell them. I thought it was an ‘unwritten rule’ so quite surprised people would prefer an email! I was so annoyed when I received an email (although it was generic from the same company I work for), call all the way for me!

I always call if I have interviewed them in person.

I personally don't mind either way tbh.

Email.
I had a phonecall recently about a job and I thought they were ringing to offer me it.Awful.

We have to call at my work, HR policy. I chaired a panel last week so it fell to me to call... I hate it! I did tell the candidates in the interview I would call them one way or the other, as if it were me I would assume a phone call is good news! I would much rather hear bad news via email so I could have a chance to take it in.

Always this.

Since the rise of mobile phones, people could be answering in public, in a supermarket, while looking after a child etc, and having that sort of professional conversation when unprepared is made much harder for the candidate. Not to mention the missed calls and trying to ring back and playing tag. Much better to allow the candidate to call when they are able to deal with the call without the emotional response, and they are prepared and ready to discuss the feedback positively. Our expectation is always that they will call, and the email encourages them to do that as if it’s a given. It just gives them more control and redresses the power balance a bit. We’ve worked hard to get this right with surveys and things (public sector) and we get good feedback.

Email for rejection. Phone call for offers.

I would prefer the email. The phone call is unnecessarily invasive.
Does anyone give some real useful feedback anyway? The "other candidate did better" is kind of obvious.

I always phone them, always give them some positives and the main reason they were not appointed, offer more detailed feedback if they want to think about it and wish them well.

Agree with email and the offer of a call

Thanks everyone. A mixed bunch of answers but email with the offer to have a phone call for feedback seems to be the most popular choice.

I think I'd personally rather receive the news this way.

I’d would prefer an e-mail so I don’t get my hopes up when the phone rings.

Although at least get basic info right, I got one calling me the wrong name and once even Mr…erm?

I think email is kinder

HR said I had to tell someone in person as they were an internal interviewee. It was excruciating hearing the hope in their voice and realising that they were going to have to handle getting the news live. I'd put my foot down in future and always email the news but offer a follow up chat