Have you ever considered applying for a job but ultimately decided not to? Have you come to the conclusion that this new opportunity doesn’t fully line with your long-term goals, or that you’re actually satisfied in your existing job?
You surely aren’t the first, and you won’t be the last.
But what can you do to fix the problem? Is it better to try to forget about it and avoid the recruiting manager’s emails and phone calls, or to be more forthright and proactive?
The latter is correct, by the way.
If not for your career’s sake, at least do the decent thing and notify the hiring manager that you’d like to withdraw your application from further consideration.
How do you politely let them know that you’re no longer interested in the position without damaging your professional relationships?
Step 1: Be 100% certain that you want to withdraw.
Let’s start with the obvious: are you really sure you want to cancel your job interview?
While anxiety over a new job is understandable, if it’s the primary factor in your decision to withdraw your application, you may want to give it some more thought.
If you’ve given it some serious consideration and are still confident in your decision to withdraw from consideration for the position, you should go ahead and do so. However, your moral compass should be urging you to reconsider if you have any doubts about abandoning your job application.
Keep in mind that there will be no second chances if you officially withdraw your application. There’s technically nothing stopping you from changing your mind and reapplying, but doing so will make you look uncertain, and employers like confidence and decisiveness in their employees more than indecisiveness.
Step 2: Inform the hiring manager as soon as possible.
Contact the recruiting manager as soon as you know you no longer want to seek the position. This will give them time to consider the other applicants for the post and give you time to look for another job or, if you’re happy where you are, work on your career advancement.
A short email explaining your decision to not proceed with the interview process will be sufficient. If, however, you decide to withdraw your application after an interview or after receiving a job offer, it is more professional to do so over the phone and then confirm your decision via email.
Don’t drag things out and wait to let the recruiting manager know your decision until you’ve received an invitation for an interview or a job offer. Not only will you be wasting their time, but if you don’t show up for your interview or, even worse, your first day on the job, you risk looking unprofessional and unreliable. It goes without saying that this can and probably will affect any future job applications you make with the same employer. Don’t do anything to get on their bad side, as they are still a potential employer.
Step 3: Maintain a Positive Attitude
It’s important to leave a good impression when declining a job offer, regardless of the circumstances. You shouldn’t sever ties with a potential employer just because the interview went poorly or the position doesn’t seem ideal (with some exceptions, of course). Keep a cheerful attitude if you want to be remembered favorably.
Avoiding any kind of criticism or negativity will help you look better.
Concluding Ideas
It’s important to tread carefully when withdrawing a job application if you want to preserve your professional reputation and maintain lines of communication open with the firm. You should merely be courteous and dignified in delivering the bad news.
If this doesn’t apply to you and you find yourself becoming more eager to get the position, check out our advice on how to follow up on an already submitted application: