How can I word that I need to withdraw a job application?

[user1471867483]

Unfortunately, after looking further into the job I applied for (which I’ve applied for loads and loads for willy nilly without looking into detail of each job), it is way way too far for me to travel to/from. Their website is asking me why I want to withdraw. Does this sound right? “I am withdrawing as the location isn’t suitable for me.” The thing is if the same job came up nearer to where I live (as they have other locations), then I’d jump at the chance to go. Shall I also say this in my explanation as to why I am withdrawing (in case other roles come along near me) or shall I just keep it brief as I said above”?
SORRY, I SHOULD HAVE SAID, 'WITHDRAW AN INTERVIEW'.

Can you not just leave it open and decline if you get offered an interview, stating that you only just realised location.

Yes of course you can keep it brief as stated.

Don't stress about it/ overthink it - you're withdrawing - this job has no impact on your life.

Also most companies won't really bother to keep you on a list to contact you in case something comes up nearby. They will just readvertise. The onus is on you to keep an eye out.

Sorry, my mistake. I have been offered the interview.

That is fine to explain.

I had to withdraw an application for a job a really wanted recently, as it involved a significant pay cut (starting a whole new career path), and unfortunately my DH jobs security seriously weakened after I had applied. I am the main breadwinner, so with the new circumstance i couldn't go through with the change at this time.

I just said due to a change in my personal circumstances I have had to postpone my planned career shift, and I hope a suitable suitable position will be available for me to apply for when I am able to resume (I did word it a bit better).

Edited after seeing you have an interview.

Yes, your idea of explaining re location but would be interested in future opportunities in a closer location would be OK.

Personally I'd be so mortified to admit that I'd been sloppy checking the details before I'd applied that I'd consider lying and saying I'd been offered another job.

But if they rated you highly enough to shortlist for interview, then you might as well try to convey that you're interested in other opportunities with them.

This is what I have drafted so far:"Due to lapse of judgment, which I didn’t realise initially, it is going to be too far for me to travel to/from. I would be interested however in future opportunities in a closer location".

Don't say that - it'll put them off ever offering you anything else!

Try "Due to a recent change in my personal circumstances, I am no longer able to travel to Location."

Don't say 'lapse of judgement' - it's hardly an endearing quality!

Don't say lapse of judgement! Just say something like thank you for the opportunity, you would need to withdraw on this occasion due to distance, but would very much be interested in similar opportunities at X.

Why not interview and see if there's any flexibility about base location? That way you get experience of their interview process at least

Or say ‘temporary change of circumstances’ which is neutral enough should you choose to apply again.

If you get offered the role and the location is fixed, you withdraw and say you were planning a geographical move but due to personal circumstances that can no longer happen so the location will be prohibitive to you accepting

Do not say lapse of judgement!!! Holy shit, no! Keep it brief and vague, yet polite. Change in circumstances.

Drop the lapse of judgement. Just use a non descriptive "change in circumstance" and thank them for consideration and hope I will be able to proceed with a in application in the future.

You do not need to be apologetic, or hint you have made an error/done anything wrong.

Thank you all so much so far xx

Email the recruiting manager and ask if it’s possible to work closer to home. Then decide whether to interview.

I would state something like “Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview with you for X position. Unfortunately I am going to have to postpone my application for the next two or three weeks to provide respite to a family member in a caring role. I would very much appreciate it if you could keep my resume on file and advise of any similar positions are available at x, x or x sites.”

Definitely don't say lapse of judgement. I withdrew from interview due to childcare logistics, a few years later I reapplied and got the job. So don't think the opportunity has gone forever but be positive and say if your reasoning is time limited.

Just say change of personal circumstances and leave it at that, no need to go into any more detail than that.

Please don’t talk about a lapse of judgement. “On further consideration I feel that the location of this role is not manageable but I would be interested in a role in a different location.”

That's even worse than the lapse in judgement line @Fraaahnces! What a horrible lie to tell.

This!

This thread is bonkers, why would anyone write flowery excuses or make up bizarre lies. Just say thank you but you're no longer available/looking for a new role

Goodness me don’t send that. Don’t be so keen to publicly flog yourself for a simple change of mind.
just leave it open, if they offer you an interview either decline then, or go to the interview. If they offer you the job once you have all the info maybe it’ll be worth it. If not say after getting all the info (pay / start dates etc.) you don’t think it’s going to work for you due to the cost of travel. You are super keen for the role though, can they offer a better wage to justify it? Is there flexibility in the location? Or can they keep you in mind for closer roles.