Sample Letters Withdrawing a Job Application

Have you changed your mind about applying for a job? When you started your job search, it might have seemed impossible that you’d ever voluntarily withdraw your application with a company.

Especially if you’re unemployed or have been eager to make a change for some time, you may have initially been eager for a job—any job. And now, here you are, trying to figure out how to leave the interview process with a prospective employer before they’ve even extended an offer.

You may be wondering if it’s rude to drop out in the middle of the process, or if you’ll burn your bridges with the employer by leaving after they’ve invested time interviewing you. If so, it might help to know you’re not alone.

Note

Candidates end the job interview process with companies more often than you might think—and for all kinds of reasons.

Withdrawing also doesn’t have to sour the relationship with the employer or the hiring manager. Go about this the right way, and you’ll be able to work with these folks again later on, should your situation change.

Here are tips on how and when to withdraw an application for a job, what to write, and examples of withdrawal letters to review.

Why Do Job Seekers Withdraw Their Applications?

You know why you’re withdrawing your application, but it may allay your anxiety somewhat to know your reason is only one of many. Job seekers end the interview process for many reasons, including:

Accepting another job. Most professionals pursue multiple leads when looking for work, so it’s common to receive one offer while you’re still interviewing elsewhere. While it’s acceptable to ask for a bit more time to consider another offer that seems imminent, you may decide to take the one in front of you. In this case, you’d need to withdraw from the process with the other employer.

The hiring process. For some candidates, the hiring process itself can be an issue. A HireVue survey reports that some of the top reasons for withdrawing include the applicant's time being disrespected during the interview, poor rapport with the interviewer, the length of the process, and the job description not matching what was advertised.

Realizing the job isn't a good fit. During the interview process, you’ll learn about the company’s culture, goals, opportunities for advancement, salary, and so on. You may discover that your needs are incompatible with the employer’s requirements. If so, it’s a good idea to look elsewhere.

Relocation. Perhaps your spouse is being transferred out of town for their job, or maybe you’re going back to school or moving to a new area for personal reasons.

Family needs. A family member may be ill and need you to care for them, or perhaps your spouse is in the military and is deploying, necessitating a move closer to relatives who can help.

How to Withdraw Your Application

Whatever the reason, the most professional thing to do in this event is to notify the employer with a letter of withdrawal promptly.

People sometimes worry that withdrawing their application will burn a bridge with the company. In fact, if you are certain the job is not right for you, withdrawing your application is a favor to the company.

It saves them time and effort and allows the company to focus on candidates who are still interested in the position. Employers prefer to avoid making job offers that are rejected. The key to avoiding any soured relationship is to be polite and prompt with your withdrawal letter.

What to Include in a Withdrawal Letter

In your letter, you don’t need to provide a reason for withdrawing your application. You are simply letting them know you no longer wish to be considered for the position. If you decide to include a reason, keep it positive. If the job just isn’t a good fit, you can say so without implying anything negative about the company or its staff.

Note

You should send the letter as soon as you know you are no longer interested in pursuing the job to allow the hiring manager to focus on viable candidates.

How to Format the Letter or Email Message

• Use standard business letter format. If you send your letter via postal service, you should format it as you would any professional business correspondence.
• Begin with your contact information, followed by the date and the employer's contact information. Your letter should begin with a polite salutation, and then express the reason you are writing.
• Thank them for the time they have spent considering you for the position.
• End with a professional closing.

When you send your letter of withdrawal via email, you don’t need to include the employer’s contact information. The subject line should include your name and “Withdraw Application.” Begin the letter with your salutation followed by a paragraph (or two) stating your intention to withdraw your application from consideration, and thanking them for their time. Close with your name and contact information.

Withdrawal Letter Template

Download the withdrawal letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Word), or see below for more examples.

Letter of Withdrawal Example (Text Version)

Fredrick Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
frederick.applicant@email.com

January 24, 2024

Kendra Lee
Manager
Acme Electronics
10 Miles Road
Stanford, NC 11289

Thank you very much for considering me for the position of Account Manager with Acme Electronics. However, I would like to withdraw my application for the job.

I appreciate you taking the time to interview me and to share information on the opportunity and your company.

Again, thank you for your consideration and the time you shared.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Withdrawal Letter Email Examples

Take a look at our sample email letters of withdrawal to get ideas about what to say when you need to remove yourself from consideration for a job.

Letter of Withdrawal Email Example #1

Subject: Firstname Lastname - Withdraw Application

I sincerely appreciate your consideration for the account manager position with your firm. I regret to inform you that I must withdraw my application for the job. My husband has received an attractive promotion with his company that will require relocation to another state, and we will be moving at the end of the summer.

Thank you for the time you spent reviewing my qualifications and meeting with me.

Letter of Withdrawal Email Example #2

Subject: Firstname Lastname - Withdraw Application

Thank you for meeting with me last week to discuss the role of the marketing department. I enjoyed our conversation and was so intrigued by the projects that are in the works at XYZ company.

I'm writing today to withdraw myself from consideration for the position since I was offered a role at another company and accepted the job offer.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Key Takeaways

1. It's common for job seekers to withdraw applications for various reasons. Rest assured: Withdrawing doesn't necessarily harm your relationship with the employer if done professionally.
2. Appropriate reasons for withdrawing your application can include accepting another job, realizing the job isn't a fit, relocation, or family needs.
3. Notify the employer promptly with a polite withdrawal letter. Include your contact information, thank them for their consideration, and keep the tone positive.