❌ The hiring process was too complicated
❌ You took too long to decide and get back to them
❌ Poor interview experience
❌ Resonating with another company’s values and work environment
❌ Better competing offer or counter-offer
❌ Personal reasons
How your company responds to candidate withdrawals can say a lot about your company.
Remember, while this candidate may not have worked out now, they could apply later or share their experience with friends.
Be professional and honest. Be sure first to share the disappointment of losing a candidate:
“I appreciate you letting me know. We are all disappointed, and if there is anything we could have done to change your mind, please feel free to share that with me.”
Great opportunity to know the gaps in your hiring process and later improve it! It will also give a clue about the candidate’s motivation.
Open up a dialogue between the candidate and your company about the possibility of continuing the interview process. You can ask:
“Do you think there’s something we could do for you to reconsider your decision?”
Always, no matter the situation, wish the candidate success and luck. Agree on keeping in touch.