You are the hiring manager for a firm $($you can use the same firm you used in the Job Request assignment$).$ Unfortunately, your company is not doing well in this economy and there are layoffs looming, not to mention a hiring$-$freeze.

In a one$-$page letter, back to the applicant, you will write a bad$-$news letter

Courtesy and focusing on a positive relationship

Explanation of the reason for the bad news $($you may not wish to go into details of the company's finances, but instead discuss business challeges in general terms. After all, you do not want everyone $($competitors$)$ to know about your poor financial health. For example, you could mention things such as challenging business environment, challenging competitive environment, conservative approach to hiring at the moment, etc.

Be specific with the delivery of the bad news $-$ do no sugar coat the fact that you will not be hiring this person

Cap the news with something neutral or positive

Close courteously and focusing on a positive relationship