[aikinai]

Rejecting near hires by phone or video is much better than an email. At that point you’ve likely developed something of a real connection with the recruiter, hiring manager, and/or the team overall. I’ve had final interviews or fit calls feel more like onboarding or pitching me on the role and then get rejected. A chance to hear it in person and have a bit of closure with the other side makes it much easier to process in my experience.

It would be nice, however, to give at least a hint that there could be bad news coming to help with mental prep. If you’re thinking this could be a rejection or maybe discussing further interviews or something negative, you’re more prepared for the turn in fortune.