To withdraw my job application after interview invite

[Eurydice84]

I am currently job hunting and applying for various positions ("never put all eggs in one basket", as they say ).

JOB N. 1: Had a first interview last week, waiting to hear re second interview
JOB N. 2: They invited me to in interview in two weeks' time, but after reading the further particulars I realised it is a three-year fixed contract and not permanent.
JOB N. 3: I will almost certainly get an interview, but this will happen some time after JOB N. 2's interview - so if I accept JOB N. 2 I couldn't go for this one

After realising that the role will be fixed-term, I am tempted to withdraw my application for job n. 2, despite the fact the role is interesting per se. I know the contract might get extended/made permanent, but my current job search has been going on for a while and I would hate for it to start again very soon. Also wondering what would happen with a fixed term contract if we decide to TTC in two years time.

Would it be bad form to withdraw my application before the interview, despite having accepted the invitation in the first place? I really don't want to burn bridges. I know I should have made my mind up earlier, but life got in the way and I only sat down to evaluate things properly last night.

Going to the interview would mean taking a whole afternoon on my free day, arranging childcare etc, so I'd like to avoid that if I am sure I am not going to purse this opportunity (plus I'd be wasting everyone's time!)

I would keep as many options open as possible

It not really that uncommon for people to withdraw before an interview.

If you don't want the job don't waste everyone's time by attending

I would just be honest and tell them. As someone who has been trying to recruit for a role for ages I would prefer this to wasting time on the interview. They are so tedious!
It also wouldn’t burn any bridges for me. I would respect that you’d given thought to it.

If you really don't want to consider the job then it's fine to withdraw your application at this point. Better than withdrawing after the first interview.

I won’t withdraw yet. It’s absolutely fine to withdraw up to the point you accept a job. A job interview is about your interviewing them as much as the other way round.

Far better to turn down the interview than turn down the job. It’s a waste of everyone’s time if you go for an interview and then turn down the job. I’d be really annoyed if I was recruiting as it would have wasted so much time. If someone pulls out before the interview stage I wouldn’t give it a second thought. And it wouldn’t count against them in future.

Keep all options open until offered and starting in the job you want.
Is the sector that the three year period one is, a sector or role that is likely to be funded for a further three years? Often roles in advice/ counselling etc rely on LA funding which is restricted, but for which the need is not going to stop.

No, I would withdraw. Not wanting a fixed term contract is a very valid reason to change your mind. As a recruiter, I've had lots of people withdraw prior to interview, it really isn't a problem.

Plus - if you're planning on TTC in a couple of years, you really don't want to be fixed term. If it happens quickly, the chances of an extension will be zero, and you'll find yourself with no mat pay. Unless that wouldn't be an issue for you?

I would certainly withdraw before the interview in this circumstance.
If you currently have a permanent job, even if you don’t get those other roles, I don’t think a fixed term role will suit you as you’ll TTC as well.

Three year FTC is a crappy deal. I take it you’d be on a normal salary for those three years, not a day rate? So long-term insecurity without the compensation of lots of money. I wouldn’t take that if I had other options, which you clearly do.