Because you, the recipient, must now continue the job hunt, so luck in finding a better employer would come in handy.

But why is this pleasantry about "luck" and not something else? You don't hear employers say "keep studying" or "we wish you a good effort" or "we hope you build cool stuff".

Isn't the employer referring to luck an admission from the employer that interviewing has a lot to do with luck?

Because "keep studying" can be construed negatively: You're not good enough. Unsolicited advice isn't usually a good idea politically.

Saying "luck" implies several things: - You just weren't the right fit. - I don't wish to imply your skills are lacking. - I hope you succeed, even though I wasn't able to help.

> Because "keep studying" can be construed negatively: You're not good enough. Unsolicited advice isn't usually a good idea politically.

They're rejecting you because you weren't good enough (or because they suck at actually identifying talent).

> Saying "luck" implies several things:

None of which are good things about the process, because a process should be designed to drive the percent influence of luck to as close to zero as practical.

> - You just weren't the right fit.

Bullshit non-reason.

> - I don't wish to imply your skills are lacking.

We also don't want to admit that we may not have any idea what we are looking for or how to evaluate it.

> - I hope you succeed, even though I wasn't able to help.

If I don't need improvement but I succeed elsewhere in a similar job, that just means you screwed up.

I think it roughly translates to: I hope you have more success in the future

Because "keep studying" would just sound condescending.

I personally find "good luck" and "we reject many good candidates" it be even more condescending.

It's a pleasantry. It's a part of communicating in a tactful and empathetic way.

It cleanly cuts the applicant loose, leaving zero ambiguity as to their chances with the current prospect company, while at the same time saying "you got spunk, kid; I like you and I'm rooting for you", all in two little words.

It shows that they have no ill will towards you.