Some of my friends and family members who stopped working when they had kids are trying to reenter the workforce now that their children are in school for much of the day. Because flexibility is hard...

A delicate situation!

Approach:
1. *Be honest but tactful*: Explain that the decision wasn't made personally, but rather based on the company's needs... and qualifications.
2. *Focus on qualifications*: Highlight the qualifications and experience required for the role and how they didn't align with your friend's skills.
3. *Offer support*: Provide constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement.

Example Script:
"Hey [Friend's Name], I wanted to talk to you about the position you applied for. After careful consideration, we decided to go with another candidate whose skills and experience better fit the role. I appreciate your interest in joining our team, and I'm happy to offer some feedback on areas for improvement."

Key Points:
1. *Be kind and respectful*: Treat your friend with empathy and understanding.
2. *Avoid false hope*: Be clear and direct about the decision.
3. *Maintain professionalism*: Keep the conversation professional and avoid personal biases.

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