Withdrawing a job application

You can withdraw a public sector job application at any stage, from just after you submit it right up to the morning of the interview. On NHS Jobs and Civil Service Jobs there is normally an option to withdraw in your account, and for schools, councils and other employers using their own forms an email to the contact on the advert does the job. A withdrawn application is not held against you, provided you tell the employer and do not simply stop replying.

Good reasons to withdraw

People withdraw for ordinary reasons: they have accepted another job, their circumstances have changed, or they have read the job description again and realised it is not what they thought. Others hear something at a pre-interview visit or informal chat that puts them off. Any of these is a fair reason.

Some problems can be solved without withdrawing, so check first. If the interview date clashes with something you cannot move, ask whether there is another slot. If you are worried that a test or interview format will put you at a disadvantage because of a disability, you can ask for reasonable adjustments in recruitment. If the hours do not quite suit you, the employer may be open to part-time or a job share even if the advert did not say so. A question costs nothing and you can still withdraw afterwards.

Withdrawing on NHS Jobs

NHS Jobs, the main portal for NHS employers in England and Wales, keeps your applications in your account. Open the application and look for the option to withdraw it. Once you do, the employer’s recruitment team sees that you are no longer in the process and you will not be invited to interview for that post.

Some trusts use Trac or their own system, even when the advert first appeared on NHS Jobs. If so, withdraw in that system. If you cannot find the option, email the recruiting manager or recruitment contact named on the advert with the job title and reference number.

If you have been shortlisted and given an interview slot, send a short email to the recruitment team as well as using the button. Panels plan their day around the list and appreciate a direct message. Our guide on how to use the NHS Jobs website explains where to find your applications and messages.

Withdrawing on Civil Service Jobs

Civil Service Jobs also lists your applications in your account, with the stage each one has reached. You can withdraw from there. If you are close to an interview or assessment centre, also contact the vacancy holder or the recruitment team named in the advert so the slot can be reused.

The Civil Service also uses reserve lists. If you pass the interview but there is no post for you straight away, you may be held on a reserve list for a period and offered a later vacancy from the same campaign. You can ask to be removed from a reserve list at any time, for example because you have accepted another job. If you would be happy to hear about future posts, say so, because coming off the list ends your place in that campaign. Civil Service reserve lists explained has more on how the lists work, and the Civil Service Jobs guide covers the rest of the site.

Schools and councils

Schools advertising on Teaching Vacancies often take applications through the school’s own form or an email address, so there may be no button to press. Email the person named in the advert, usually the headteacher’s PA, the school business manager or HR. Schools in England start reference requests before interview under safer recruitment, so withdrawing quickly also stops your referees being contacted for a job you no longer want.

Councils mostly use their own recruitment portals. Many have a withdraw option in your account; if not, contact the HR or recruitment address on the advert.

What to say

Keep it short. You do not need a reason, though giving one is polite.

I would like to withdraw my application for [job title], reference [number]. I have accepted another position. Thank you for considering my application.

If you would like to apply to the employer again, add a line saying so. Avoid long explanations, complaints about the process or comments about the pay.

Withdrawing at the interview or offer stage

Withdrawing after an interview but before an offer is still a withdrawal. Contact the recruiting manager directly and tell them before they make a decision, so they can move to their next choice without delay.

If an offer has already been made, you are turning it down, which works a little differently, especially if you have accepted a conditional offer. How to turn down a public sector job offer covers what changes once you have said yes.

Things to avoid

Do not keep applications open that you know you will not take. Each one uses a shortlisting place and, later, an interview slot. Do not ignore interview invitations; failing to attend without notice is the one outcome recruiters do remember, and in a specialist service or a small council the same people may sit on your next panel.

If you are withdrawing because of something that went wrong in the process, such as an unexplained rejection of an adjustment request or treatment you think was unfair, you can still raise it with the employer after you have withdrawn. ACAS can explain your options if you think the treatment was discriminatory.