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What's the etiquette on withdrawing an application especially if an interview was already done? If there is any...

I accepted a position with another employer who got back to me within a day's time with an acceptance before I was able to withdraw my application with another employer who said it would take about two weeks to make a decision. They both contacted me within two days of each other, and I accepted the first offer as it was more what I wanted to do.

so basically... how do i handle this situation?

You call the person you interviewed with or who arranged your interview, and you say, "I'm calling to let you know I need to withdraw my application because I accepted another offer." It's really not complicated. (You can do it over e-mail, especially if all your correspondence took place over e-mail, but calling is more polite.)

i guess my exasperation over the situation is more about my fear of burning bridges rather than what i should do about the situation. everyone always puts so much emphasis on networking and keeping contacts within the field.

Politely turning down a job because you've accepted another one isn't burning bridges. It's something that inevitably happens, because of course every sensible law student applies for multiple positions (and even if you weren't withdrawing for another job, applying doesn't mean you're required to take a job if offered, either). Employers understand this. And as much as everyone here is a very special, special snowflake, an employer isn't going to be offended by you withdrawing - it's not personal, and there will be lots of other highly qualified applicants to take your place.

I mean, you CAN burn bridges by withdrawing, but I'm presuming you're not going to call up say, "Eff you, suckas, I got a WAY better job than yours!"

It is more "polite" to call and let them know than it is to string them along and tell you already accepted another offer if they call you back with an offer. You will also being doing another candidate a favor by taking yourself out of consideration. Just my two cents.

Withdrawing an application is no big deal. Withdrawing an offer you accepted is a much different matter.

A. Nony Mouse wrote:Politely turning down a job because you've accepted another one isn't burning bridges. "

Yup. I was offered a spot last summer, turned it down. Interviewed with the same place this summer and they offered before I left the office. Just be polite and professional and you'll be fine.