How To Tell A Recruiter You Are Not Interested In A Position In 3 Easy Ways

Do you want to exit the hiring process and withdraw your application? But how to tell a recruiter you are not interested in a position? We will notify you how.

When an applicant doesn’t want the position anymore, let the recruiter know ASAP. The recruiter can continue looking for candidates who may be a better fit.

3 Ways To Tell A Recruiter You Are Not Interested In A Position

There are a few ways to let a recruiter know that you are not interested in a position:

1. The Polite Way – Email:

The most polite way is to send an email to the recruiter. An email is a formal way to communicate.

Thus, it is best to use this method to maintain a professional relationship with the recruiter.

When composing an email, remember to follow these key steps:

1. Extend greetings

2. State that you are no longer interested in the position clearly

3. If possible, mention the reason why you are withdrawing

4. Thank the recruiter for their time and allowing you to apply.

5. Sign off with your name and contact information

Samples:

“Hello, Sir/Madam,

I hope you are well.

After giving it some more thought, I have decided that I am no longer interested in the position.

My previous employer has offered me a job that is a better fit for my skills and experience.

Thank you for allowing me to apply.

If you need any more information from me, please do not hesitate to contact me at ___________.

Thank you again for your time.

Sincerely,

Your Name”

“Hello, Sir/Madam,

Hope this email finds you in good health.

I wanted to let you know that I have decided not to continue the hiring process and withdraw my application.

I have got another job offer which I am going to accept.

Thank you for your time, and I apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Sincerely,

Your Name”

2. The Casual Way – In Person:

If you want to let a recruiter know you wish to withdraw your application more casually, you can do it in person.

When meeting the recruiter in person, remember to follow these key steps:

1. Be frank and honest

2. State that you are no longer interested in the position

3. Explain why you are withdrawing

4. Thank the recruiter for their time

5. If possible, give them your contact information

Samples:

“Hi Sir/Madam, I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I’m no longer interested in the position.

It’s not what I’m looking for. Although I have been much willing to work here, I have an offer from another company that is a better fit for me.

So I am going to accept it.”

“Hi, Sir/Madam,

I wanted to let you know that I have decided not to continue the hiring process and withdraw my application.

It’s not what I’m looking for, and I don’t think it would be a good fit.

Also, I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

3. The Quick Way – Phone Call:

A phone call is another way to tell a recruiter you are no longer interested in a position.

When making a phone call, remember to follow these key steps:

1. Be brief and state that you are no longer interested

2. To get it over with, you can tell them that you are busy; this will be quick

3. State reasons for withdrawing briefly

4. Thank the recruiter for their time

Samples:

“Hello, Sir/Madam,

I am calling to ask you to withdraw my application. Since I am running late for my office, I will make this quick.

I am no longer interested in the position. It’s not a good fit for me, and I don’t think it would be a good match.”

Things To Remember When Telling A Recruiter You Are Not Interested In A Position:

When you are withdrawing your application, remember these aspects:

1. Be Courteous:

Be courteous when you talk to the recruiter. They might have selected you for the position. Thus, they would have spent costs on hiring you.

If you bail on them, they will start from scratch in finding another candidate.

It will cost them more money and time. Thus, be courteous with them.

2. Politely Thank Them:

Thank the recruiter for their time, even if you are not interested in the position. This is common courtesy and politeness.

By thanking them, you show your professionalism.

Moreover, you avoid burning any bridges. Thus, if you want to apply again in the future, they would be more likely to consider your application.

3. Give Them Your Reasons:

If you are withdrawing your application, state your reasons politely.

The recruiter might want to know why you are not interested in the position.

By stating your reasons, you open up a line of communication with the recruiter.

4. Keep It Short and Sweet:

Keep your explanation short and sweet. Recruiters are busy people.

They would not want to hear long stories about why you are withdrawing your application.

Just state the facts and be polite. They will appreciate that.

5. Keep Your Contact Information:

If possible, give the recruiter your contact information. This would be beneficial for both parties.

The recruiter might want to get in touch with you for other opportunities in the future.

On the other hand, if you have any questions about the job or the recruitment process, you can contact them.

By giving your contact information, you build a relationship with the recruiter. This could be beneficial for you in the future.

When To Withdraw Your Application

There are some apparent reasons some applicants may have. However, there are some less obvious reasons too:

1. When You Find Another Job:

If you find another job and are already in the hiring process, withdrawing your application is the most courteous thing.

It’s only fair that you give the recruiter a chance to fill the position with another candidate.

Focus on your new job and let the recruiter focus on finding a candidate for the old one.

2. When The Job Is Not A Good Fit:

If the job is not a good fit for you, you should withdraw your application.

It’s best to do this sooner rather than later. This would prevent any wasted time on both sides.

If you accept such a job, you would be miserable, and it would reflect on your work.

3. When You Are Not Qualified:

If you are not qualified for the position, it’s best to withdraw your application.

It would be unfair to both the recruiter and yourself if you go through the interview process and do not get the job.

Underqualified candidates only end up wasting everyone’s time. Do not be that.

4. When There Are Problems With Your Background Check:

If there are problems with your background check, you can stop the hiring process.

This would prevent any potential embarrassment for you and the recruiter.

It’s better to be upfront about such issues rather than hiding them. For instance: you may have an outstanding warrant. Or you may have a criminal record.

5. You Got To Know Something Bad About The Company:

If you got to know something wrong with the company, withdraw your application immediately.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. You do not want to work for a company that has unethical practices.

A bad company can ruin your career. And, you do not want to be a part of that.

6. The Job Requires Relocation:

Some jobs require relocation, and applicants are not willing to move. In this case, it is better to tell them you don’t want to continue.

It is better, to be honest than to waste their time. They are looking for someone willing to relocate, and you are not.

7. The Salary Is Not Up To The Mark:

If the salary is not up to the mark, do not go for the company.

It’s not worth your time and the recruiter’s time if the salary is not good enough.

There are other jobs out there that offer better salaries. You can try to negotiate, but it’s time to walk away if the company is not willing to budge.

8. There Are Ethical Issues With The Job:

If there are ethical issues with the job, you should also withdraw your application.

For example:

If the company is involved in illegal activities or if the job requires you to do something unethical, you should walk away.

Therefore, it’s not worth it to you and the company to have you work for them. You would be miserable, and it would show in your work.

Outcomes Of Withdrawing The Application:

There are a few potential outcomes of withdrawing your application:

1. The recruiter may keep in touch with you for other opportunities in the future.

2. They will remember your name, and you may be more likely to get a call back for a job in the future.

3. You will have lost the opportunity to work for that company, but it’s better than accepting a job you will hate.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, to tell a recruiter you are not interested in a position, you can say:

“I am sorry, but I am not interested in the position.” You can also give your contact information to the recruiter so that they can keep in touch with you. 

Withdrawing your application is not a bad thing. Therefore, it’s better to do this sooner rather than later. This would prevent any wasted time on both sides.