If you want to withdraw your application, you should communicate this step transparently and as quickly as possible. Just briefly address the reasons.
No matter whether before, during or after the interview: you can withdraw your application at any time. Just as companies invite multiple candidates and choose the best, you probably apply for multiple jobs and aim for the position that suits you best. But if you want to withdraw your application for other reasons, that is also your right. In the interest of everyone involved, you should cancel as early as possible. This saves HR staff work and gives other applicants more opportunities.
Why job candidates withdraw their applications
It is important that you communicate the decision transparently and do not “ghost” the company. If you don't get in touch at all, it shows a lack of professionalism and a lack of sense of responsibility, emphasizes the job portal
Kununu
. It is also possible that you will come into contact with the company and the HR manager again later in your professional life. Therefore, you should be remembered as fondly as possible, advises the personnel service provider
Randstad
.
The reasons for a rejection can be varied and do not need to be explained in detail to the potential employer. According to
Stepstone
, the most common causes that lead to the withdrawal of the application include
:
Personal reasons:
pregnancy, moving, illness – sometimes private life circumstances change and suddenly make the job unsuitable. If you reject the company, it is sufficient to explain “private reasons”.
Salary:
A valid reason for rejection: Despite negotiations during the interview, you are not offered the salary you expected.
Corporate culture:
The interview gives you an insight into the values and culture of the company. If you have the impression that these components do not suit you and you cannot imagine working there, you should decline.
Job doesn't fit:
The job advertisement provides initial information, but it usually only becomes clear during the conversation what your future job would look like in detail. If you know the exact profile of the position, it may be that the job no longer suits you.
Poor general conditions:
Long journeys or unfavorable working hours - if the working conditions do not suit your own rhythm of life, this can be a reason to withdraw your application.
Different offer:
If you apply to several companies and have already been accepted by another employer where the job may even be a better fit, it is only legitimate to reject the other one.
Gut feeling:
There doesn't always have to be an objective reason. The feeling that you won't be happy at this job can also lead to rejection.
If you withdraw your application, you don't officially have to give reasons for it, but it is good manners to provide a brief explanation. However, you can keep these short. This way the employer knows what the problem was and can possibly adjust its offer, explains
Stepstone
. You can communicate your cancellation either personally on the phone or in writing in an email.
Withdraw your application by phone or email
A phone call can save time and appears confident. In addition, a conversation can develop in which questions can be discussed again and misunderstandings can be quickly cleared up, explains the personnel service provider
Randstad
. There may even be an opportunity for collaboration in a personal conversation. The disadvantage of a telephone call is that you can be unprepared for questions, such as the reasons for your cancellation.
Kununu
therefore recommends making a few bullet points before the interview that you can use as a kind of guide.
By email, however, you can reach everyone who was involved in the application process at the same time. This way you can ensure that your message reaches the right recipients without any distortion. To make the assignment easier, choose a suitable subject, such as “My application from (date)”. Keep the letter short and sweet so it doesn't look like you're justifying yourself. However, you should word the email personally so that it doesn't sound as if you have already sent the rejection to several companies, advises
Stepstone
. According to
Randstad
, you can use the following building blocks to structure the email
:
greeting
Classify the situation:
Mention whether you have already had an interview or received an invitation to an interview. If necessary, thank them for the opportunity, time and trust.
Rejection
: State in one short sentence that you are withdrawing your application. Express your regret and make it clear that you made the decision after careful consideration.
Reason
: At this point you can briefly state the decisive reason for your step.
Conclusion
: Praise the company or offer a positive wish, such as “I hope that you can fill the position soon.” Also ask for their understanding of your decision and apologize for any inconvenience.
Farewell greeting
The structure of the email can also be used as a template for the conversation. It is also important that you remain polite and professional on the telephone. You don't have to apologize or justify yourself. Be firm and do not allow yourself to be tempted to make inappropriate statements. By the way, rejection is also possible during the interview. If you come to the conclusion in a personal conversation that the job or company is not a good fit for you and you don't need time to think about it, there's nothing wrong with withdrawing your application directly during the interview, explains
Kununu
.