Don't burn bridges

 How much information should you provide when turning down a job opportunity?

Here's the situation: 

- A client is searching for a Marketing Manager.

- An interview is scheduled with a promising candidate.

- The day after the interview is scheduled, the candidate emails to say "At this time, I'm moving in a different direction. Thank you."

- A reply is sent with "Can we get a bit more context? Did you get an offer from somewhere else? Or did you decide that the role...didn't fit what you were/are seeking?" 

- There is no reply to the queries.

I'm interested in what you all think. My belief is that the candidate could have and should have provided context, even if at a minimal level. This not only handles the rejection with grace but also, in good faith, provides the client with input and feedback about the job--is the description too vague, is the job too broad, is the likely compensation too small?

How much information should be provided?

I'm a big believer in not burning bridges. In this case, it feels like a bridge is being burned when a softer response would have kept a line of communication open, whether for a future job or simply for the connection provided as a result of this process.

My bottom line--always opt for the response that will build, maintain or nurture a connection.