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Hello! I’m looking for advice on how to write an appropriate thank you note (to the hiring manager) following a second interview for a job I no longer am interested in?

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Hello! I’m looking for advice on how to write an appropriate thank you note (to the hiring manager) following a second interview for a job I no longer am interested in?

To be clear, my plan is to let the internal recruiter know I wish to be removed from consideration, so this note is not intended to inform the HM of this decision. I’m struggling with how to strike the right tone since usually a thank you note to a HM reinforces why the candidate is a fit for/interested in the role.

I should also note that I’m a finalist for this role and actually went through two screenings and an entire interview loop with numerous team members.

I don’t have a strong feeling one way or another whether I will be offered the role, but that’s because it’s fairly clear that the company doesn’t seem to know what they want or need. Because of that, I’ve determined through this process that I’m no longer interested. The leaders do not have alignment on what they’re looking for, and even more of concern, the HM doesn’t seem to know what he wants, or whether he should be hiring for this role at all (it would be a newly created position and the first of its kind in the company). Coupled with the fact that this would be a lateral move in title and pay, I think I need to just stay where I am and keep looking.

So how do I say thanks without the usual messaging about interest in the role? This was technically the third interview with him (he also did one of the initial screens). Thank you!

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  1. Jonna Depugh

    I would just let him know that, while you appreciate the support that he has provided you throughout the process, after careful consideration, your priorities have changed and that you are no longer interested in pursuing this role. Possibly add that you would like to stay in touch if anything crosses his desk in the future if you think he is a valuable contact.

    It is much easier to be upfront before accepting a position than after accepting the position.

    This happens frequently to hiring managers and I don't think he will be offended. I have even had this happen after an offer.

    I hope this helps.

  2. Anonymous

    Perfect!

  3. Anonymous

    I want to thank you for your time in interviewing me. I have decided to move in a different direction.

    I wish you and the team well.

  4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    You don't need to let the hiring manager know anything. Just tell the recruiter.

    If you absolutely feel the need to reach out to the hiring manager, just make it short and sweet.

    I have decided not to move forward with this opportunity - thank you for the time you took to interview me.

  5. Anonymous

    Agree with Joan's response.

  6. Anonymous

    It won't matter in the least. They have several great candidates. Just a quick note to the recruiter that you've decided to drop out. No big deal.

  7. Anonymous

    Thanks, so there is no need to send a TY to the hiring manager for the latest interview? I wanted to send a TY to be polite, but wasn’t sure what to write aside from TY since I don’t plan on informing him that I’m no longer interested (will let the recruiter know instead). I may be overthinking it because normally the TY reinforces why you’re right for the role and in this case, I don’t want to be insincere or misleading. Thanks!

  8. Anonymous

    Good for you recognizing the red flags. So many of us do not and end up in the wrong company and/or roles. The recruiter informs the HM not you. Simply state you have determined upon much consideration that you wish to no longer be considered for this opportunity. Thank them and move on. I was a recruiter and it is their job to inform. They have backup candidates (if they are good at their job).

  9. Anonymous

    Thanks, so there is no need to send a TY to the hiring manager for the latest interview? I wanted to send a TY to be polite, but wasn’t sure what to write aside from TY since I don’t plan on informing him that I’m no longer interested (will let the recruiter know instead). I may be overthinking it because normally the TY reinforces why you’re right for the role and in this case, I don’t want to be insincere or misleading. Thanks!

  10. Anonymous

    Thank the recruiter and ask she send your appreciation to the HM. The recruiter’s job is as a middleman. Then ask your recruiter “shall I send my decision to withdraw or do you?” None of my candidates sent any note unless it was acceptance. And I sent it on their behalf. It’s how it works.

  11. Anonymous

    I would thank them for their consideration, but I have decided to move in a different direction. If you had to log in to a "workplace"-type recruiting page for the application, there is likely a way to withdraw on the application status page. I have done this more than once when I saw red flags, some after an interview and some without interviewing when I got more information about the job.

  12. Anonymous

    To make a simple message anything more than a thanks but no thanks short message (already received great examples) would be inappropriate.

  13. Mandy

    I would skip the thank-you altogether unless you’ve already really established a rapport with HM.

  14. Anonymous

    If you don’t want to tell this person that you’re withdrawing, something like, “Thank you for your time discussing [ROLE] with me on Thursday. I really enjoyed hearing more about [ASPECT OF POSITION]. I wish you the best in your search for the right person for this exciting role.” I would probably wait to send it until you’ve informed the recruiter and given them time to tell the manager.

    That way you have stayed gracious and not burned any bridges (which I assume is what you want) without going around the process.

  15. Anonymous

    I would simply thank them for their time and consideration and leave it at that.

  16. Anonymous

    It depends...if you truly want to see if there is a fit for you somewhere else in the company ask the HM for a quick call and let him know you want to give him real feedback. When companies create new roles this is fairly typical and I would assume this could be one of 2 things for you, a- an opportunity to come in and to take control and make this your own. or b- see it as you do and walk away.

    IMHO you sound very grounded and if you see this as an opportunity do give him some feedback in the conversation keep it going, let him know that you want to remain in the process if there is enough autonomy to do so and to create your own path. Or walk away.

  17. Anonymous

    I would keep it simple -- Thank you so much for your time and sharing so much about company X and the position....

    and best wishes. No need to mention next steps or hope to work together!

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