Declining a second interview etiquette?

[Lizzie523]

I want to decline a second interview in the most polite, non bridge burning way possible.

Although the job initially sounded interesting he job is low paid & the hours are too variable each week. Although I want flexibility that is a bit too flexible for me and the tasks don't sound stimulating enough for me. I have asked twice now a full job spec and still not provided with it.

They emailed saying they'd love me to come for a 2nd interview. Best reasons which don't seem critical of the job itself?

'Thank you very much, I enjoyed meeting you and learning about your Company but for personal reasons I am withdrawing my application for this role. Best wishes.'

Really, that simple @Ragwort?

It doesn't sound rude not to give more of an explanation?

Exactly what Ragwort said. I've chosen to withdraw from a couple of second interviews and that's what I said. Personal reasons don't invite questions.

Yes I would keep it simple (& polite), I used to do a lot of interviewing and to be brutally honest the company is unlikely to be really interested in your reasons ... unless they are struggling to recruit.

If you have really decided it's not for you but say something like 'I am looking for a higher rate of pay to reflect my skills' or 'I would prefer fixed hours' are you genuinely still going to be interested in the job if they come back with more money/better hours? In which case why not go along for the second interview and (if you are offered the job) at that point negotiate on what matters to you ...

'Thanks for getting back in touch. After careful consideration, I don't see myself as a good fit for the role you're offering at present and would like to withdraw my application.'

"Thank you for the invitation for further interview, but would like to withdraw my application, but wish you all the best etc..."

Don't worry about the exact working - whenever you get reject letter, it's fairly to the point.

I'd like to offer an alternative approach.
Go for the second interview, but use it as an opportunity to say what you liked about the company and the job, but explain your reservations and ask if there is anything else they can offer in terms of work pattern or responsibilities. Tell them as it stands you don't think the job is right for you but wanted to discuss it with them to see if there were any alternatives. Obviously that might not be practical for you if you are working currently and need to take time off for the interview.

Tell the truth.

"Many thanks for your offer of a second interview. Having considered the rate of pay on offer and the working hours required, I would like to withdraw my interest in the role. All the best..."

You might as well tell them where THEY'RE going wrong so they have an idea of why they're not securing talent. They'd be better paying more if that's what it costs for someone with the right skillset and it doesn't hurt to remind employers of that.