How to respond to email from "rejected" candidate

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified)
in
Hiring

Any suggestions on how to reply to an email I received from a candidate I did not offer the position to?

Background:  I am in the process of interviewing/hiring an admininstrative assistant.  I have worked with the candidate previously and after interviewing her, decided not to bring her back for a second interview.  I called to tell her and then two days later received an email from her asking why she did not qualify for the position. 

I would prefer to not get into a discussion/debate about her qualifications nor the reason behind my decision.  Below is the response I drafted.  Feedback would be appreciated!

Sue -- We interviewed several qualified candidates for the position and it was an extremely difficult decision.  We are moving forward with those candidates who better fit our needs. I appreciate your interest in the position and taking the time to interview with us and will certainly keep you in mind for future opportunities.

Sincerely,

pagirl

Submitted by Gwen Pearson on Wednesday January 27th, 2010 5:46 am

It's a sticky situation, since anything you say--especially if you respond via email!!!--opens up a liability can of worms.
I have generally just stuck with something along the lines of "the person we chose was just a great match for our needs."  It's usually a true statement, too.
If there was an actual red flag, I *might* mention it on the phone--("did you realize you sent us your sorority rush application instead of your resume?")--but generally, I don't go there.