Stepping back from a job application happens to everyone. Sometimes a better offer comes along. Other times, your needs or the job details change. What matters is how you handle telling the company.
A clear, polite withdrawal email keeps your good name with employers. It shows them you value their time and keeps doors open for later. The right message can turn a “no thanks” into a “maybe later.”
Application Withdrawal Email Samples
Here are 15 email examples you can use when you need to pull your job application. Each one fits a different reason for withdrawing.
1. Found Another Position
Subject: Withdrawal of Application for [Position Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for the chance to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. I truly enjoyed learning about your company during this process.
I am writing to let you know that I need to withdraw my application. I have accepted another job offer that closely matches my career goals at this time.
I really value the time you spent looking at my application. Your company seems like a great place to work, and I wish you success in finding the right person for this role.
Thanks again for your time and understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
2. Relocating to Another City
Subject: Application Withdrawal – [Your Name] for [Position Title]
Hello [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing about my application for the [Position Title] at [Company Name].
Due to some changes in my personal life, I will be moving to [New City/State] in the coming weeks. Because of this move, I need to withdraw my application for the position.
Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my application. I truly value the chance to be considered for a role with your team.
Please accept my thanks for your understanding in this matter.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL if applicable]
3. Position No Longer Matches Career Goals
Subject: Withdrawing My Application for [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I want to thank you for thinking about me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. After much thought about my career path, I have decided to withdraw my application.
After looking deeply at my long-term goals, I believe I should focus on roles that allow me to [briefly mention your career focus]. While [Company Name] offers great chances, I feel this role might not match what I hope to do next in my career.
I truly thank you for your time during this hiring process. I wish you and [Company Name] all the best moving forward.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Professional Social Media Links]
4. Salary Expectations Not Met
Subject: Withdrawal from [Position] Application Process
Dear [Recruiter’s Name],
Thanks for the updates about the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the team and the work you do.
After thinking about the job details and our talk about pay, I need to withdraw my application. The salary range is below what I need based on my skills and work history.
I wish you luck in finding someone great for this role, and I thank you for all the time you’ve spent on my application.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Professional Website or Portfolio Link if applicable]
5. Company Culture Concerns
Subject: Withdrawing My Application – [Your Name]
Dear [Contact Name],
Thank you for the chance to learn about the [Position] opening at [Company Name]. I have enjoyed meeting with your team during the interview steps.
After careful thinking, I have decided to withdraw my name from this job search. During the interview process, I noticed that my work style might not match well with the company setting, which is key for job success.
I thank you for the time and care you have shown during this process. I wish you and your team all the best.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone]
[Your Email]
6. Taking Time Off for Personal Reasons
Subject: Application Withdrawal for [Position Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I want to thank you for looking at my application for the [Position Title] role.
Due to some new personal matters, I need to take a break from job hunting at this time. So, I must withdraw my application from your hiring process.
Thank you for the time you’ve spent looking at my application. Once I start job hunting again, I would love to check if there are any good fits at [Company Name].
With thanks,
[Your Name]
[Contact Phone]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn URL if you wish to stay connected]
7. Too Long Interview Process
Subject: Withdrawing from [Job Title] Application
Dear [Contact’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing about my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].
While I value the chance to be part of your team, I need to withdraw my application. The hiring timeline is longer than I can wait for my next job step, and I need to focus on other chances that might move more quickly.
Thank you for your time so far. I wish you success in finding the right person for the role.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
8. Return to School Full-Time
Subject: Withdrawal of My Application for [Position]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I want to thank you for looking at my application for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I have truly valued the time spent talking with you and learning about the job.
I recently decided to go back to school full-time to get my [degree/certification], which will take up most of my time. Because of this choice, I need to withdraw my application.
Thanks again for your time and for making the application process so smooth. I wish you all the best in finding the right fit for your team.
Warm wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
9. Health Issues
Subject: Application Withdrawal – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for thinking about me for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I have truly enjoyed our talks and learning about the job.
Sadly, due to health issues, I must withdraw my application at this time. I need to focus on getting better before taking on new work duties.
I truly thank you for the chance and for your understanding. I hope our paths might cross again when my health allows me to fully commit to a new role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
10. Starting Own Business
Subject: Withdrawing Application for [Position Name]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know about my application for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name].
After much thought, I’ve decided to focus on starting my own business in the [industry/field] space. Because of this new path, I need to withdraw my application for the position.
Thank you so much for your time and for thinking about me for this role. I wish you and the team at [Company Name] much success.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
[New Business Website or Social Media if ready to share]
11. Job Description Changed
Subject: Withdrawal from [Position Title] Application Process
Dear [Contact’s Name],
Thank you for letting me know about the changes to the [Position Title] role that I applied for. I value your clear updates during this process.
After looking at the new job details, I feel my skills and career goals no longer match what the role now asks for. So, I think it’s best to withdraw my application at this time.
I thank you for your time and wish you luck in finding a great fit for the updated position.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Details]
[Professional Social Media Links if desired]
12. Staying with Current Employer
Subject: Withdrawing My Application – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for the chance to apply for the [Position] role with [Company Name]. I’ve enjoyed learning about the job during our talks.
After deep thinking and talks with my current employer, I’ve decided to stay in my role. They have offered me new growth chances that match my career goals right now.
I truly thank you for your time and the great way you’ve handled the hiring process. I wish you all the best in finding the right person for this role.
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
13. Not Ready to Relocate
Subject: Application Withdrawal for [Job Title] Position
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. Thank you for the update that the [Job Title] role now needs a move to [Location].
After much thought about this change, I need to withdraw my application. My family ties and other duties make it hard for me to relocate at this time.
I truly thank you for thinking about me for this role, and I wish you success in finding someone who can make the move for this great chance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
14. Company Reputation Concerns
Subject: Withdrawing from [Position] Application
Dear [Contact Name],
Thank you for the chance to apply for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I have valued the smooth hiring process so far.
After doing more research on the company, I’ve found that some key values may not match what I’m looking for in my next job. So, I need to withdraw my application at this time.
I thank you for your time and wish you the best in finding the right person who will thrive at [Company Name].
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
15. Need for Job Security
Subject: Withdrawal of Application – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for sharing details about the [Position] contract role at [Company Name]. I’ve enjoyed learning about the work and meeting the team members.
After careful thought about my needs, I’ve decided to focus on finding a steady, long-term role rather than a contract position. Because of this choice, I need to withdraw my application.
I truly thank you for your time and the clear way you’ve handled the hiring process. I hope we might work together in the future if a good fit comes up.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[LinkedIn Profile Link]
Wrap-up: Email Tips for Withdrawing Applications
Writing a good withdrawal email helps keep doors open for the future. Keep these emails short, honest, and kind. Thank the hiring team for their time. If you’re open to future jobs with them, say so.
Even when you’re saying no to a job, how you say it matters. A good email shows you’re a true pro, even when things don’t work out.