I accidentally submitted sub-optimal application to an employer and can't retract it; What do I do?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I was exploring the job-application portal for a particular employer I am very interested in and foolishly decided to see what the application process was like by "starting" an application, assuming that I would stop before submitting the application. However, on the site, it turns out that an inopportunely-named "update profile" button actually submits the application. What's even worse is that there's no way to retract the application on the site.

What can I do mitigate this stupidity, if anything?-- I could e.g. try to e-mail the company and tell them that I accidentally sent them an incomplete application I can't complete right now, but I've learnt that these kinds of inconvenient mistakes only become worse when you notify important people of them. Alternatively, I could e.g. upload a CV and cover letter which make note of this by e.g. stating "application accidentally submitted prematurely; Will update with more accurate information shortly." Nothing I can think of makes me look like anything better than a blundering idiot, however, and HR people generally throw away anything even remotely inconvenient anyway.

manpreet 2 years ago

What can I do mitigate this stupidity, if anything?

First I must tell you to take it easy with you; it was a simple mishap and understandable in some way.

I would recommend you write them an email as soon as possible, indicating that you prematurely submitted your application and briefly excusing yourself.

Also, I would send a copy of your "optimal" CV along with that mail just in case, so they can take it into consideration right away if possible (and to spare an extra main and waiting time if they are willing to receive it that way).

This implies that your optimal CV is already tailored, so you should do that first. Depending on their email reply you can know if they acknowledged your small mistake, or if they don't reply you can then proceed to re-submit your application with the correct CV this time.