When you decide the job isn't for you, you can tell the hiring manager and back out of the position, or you can think of it as an opportunity to approach the company for another position.
If you like the company, you need to maintain relationships with them until they offer you a suitable position.
How to withdraw from a job interview?
So, here's how to withdraw from a job interview:
1. Not canceling the interview immediately before its scheduled date
Once you have decided that a position is not suitable for you, it is important to tell the hiring manager or recruiter as soon as possible so that it won't be an uncomfortable surprise. Unless something urgent arises, it is considered unprofessional to withdraw from an interview a day early.
Gabrielle Woody, a university recruiter at financial software company "Intuit," said: "It's something uncomfortable and can leave a bad impression on the employer because scheduling the interview takes time out of their schedule, and it's wasted time for them."
2. When you are rejected, mention the most suitable position for you
Career coach Jessica Hernandez recommends thanking the hiring manager for their time and reaching out to them or their company on LinkedIn if you haven't already, mentioning the position you're looking for and whether you'd like a leading role.
For example, Hernandez says that you could say something like: “After carefully considering the position, I have come to the difficult decision that this role is not right for me at the moment. The biggest factor in my decision to withdraw my candidacy was my desire to participate in a role with greater leadership responsibilities. Thank you so much for your time and support during the interview. I like "company name" and would enjoy working for your company in a position that matches my strengths and career goals. If I can assist with your search, please feel free to contact me.”
If you withdrew from this interview because of the salary, Woody suggests that you can be direct about your reason using the following approach as an example: “These are the bills, the loans, and the financial bonds I need to secure. If there's a position with a higher compensation package, it would help me."
3. Recommending another candidate to ease the situation
To maintain a positive relationship, recommend another candidate that you trust for the employer. It shows that you are ready to recommend this company to friends and colleagues to work with. In this way, you will help the recruiter. Hernandez said: "You can share this offer after you tell them you've turned down the position using the following technique. For example: "I wanted to recommend 'your recommended person' for the job, as I worked with them at 'your previous company' for ten years. They have the experience you are looking for, and they are looking for such a position. I would be happy to share their contact information if you are interested."
4. If possible, communicate by phone
Woody said: "If you didn't contact the manager by phone, it's okay to send a withdrawal email. However, for candidates who did the interview, contacting the hiring manager and telling them directly of your decision is a thoughtful approach.
Woody said: "Phone calls are really special because I always get emails. They also confirm the candidate's credibility. I feel that sometimes you can't really know the candidate's opinion using email without hearing their voice. They also allow the employer to ask any questions that could help the candidate to succeed in a future employment interview.
5. After you turn down the position, keep in touch to show that you are still interested in the company
To maintain a relationship with a company you want to work for in the future, save your interview emails or contact them on LinkedIn so you can send messages showing that you're still following their company. You can bring up common points or the latest news about the company in your messages. Woody shared this example: "Hey, I just saw this article that reminded me of something we talked about," or "I read that the company's revenue increased by $10,000". The point of staying in touch is to remind them that you are interested.
Woody said: “The hiring manager will remember you when they are looking for someone for a position that suits you.”
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