A communication sent by a candidate to an organization formally retracting their candidacy from consideration for an open position. This correspondence typically occurs after an application has been submitted and before a final hiring decision has been made. For example, an applicant may send such a message upon accepting another offer or realizing the position is not the right fit.
The act of formally removing oneself from consideration offers several advantages. It maintains professional courtesy with the employer, leaving a positive impression regardless of the candidate’s decision. This practice is important because industries often have interconnected professional networks, and future opportunities may arise with the same organization or individuals. Furthermore, informing the company allows them to reallocate resources towards other potential candidates, improving their overall hiring efficiency.