The Request to Withdraw Application (RWA) process (formerly called "signing off jobs") gives students the opportunity to request that their application to a specific job be withdrawn if they have serious concerns about a job or employer immediately following an interview.
You may potentially choose to submit an RWA form under the following circumstances:
- New information was provided in the interview that significantly altered the nature or circumstances of the job from what was outlined in the job posting.
- You have concerns related to discrimination or harassment arising from the interview.
If the request is approved, your application would be removed from consideration for this particular position.
Request to Withdraw Application process:
| Step 1: Submit a Request to Withdraw Application (RWA) form
(or speak with a career advisor - whichever comes first!) |
Submit an RWA form via WaterlooWorks within 48 hours (2 days) of your interview. Steps to submit an RWA form:
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| Step 2: Discuss the request with a career advisor
(May be required. The advisor can also help you fill out an RWA form) |
Based on discussions you may have already had with your co-op advisor, you may be required to discuss your request with a career advisor. The career advisor will discuss your specific situation with you and help you submit an RWA form, if necessary. If you have not spoken to your co-op advisor about your request, please reach out to a career advisor immediately. If you have spoken to your co-op advisor, and your request required additional discussions, a career advisor will reach out to you. The deadline to submit the form and speak to an advisor (whichever comes first) is within 48 hours of your interview or by 9 a.m. the day before rankings are released in cycle 1-2, or 9 a.m. on the day of a cycle 3-6 match. |
| Step 3: A career advisor will review your request and get back to you as soon as possible | A career advisor will listen to your concerns and review the request. Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Co-operative Education will respond with a decision regarding your request as soon as possible either in person, over the phone or via WaterlooWorks. |
Note: For Steps 1 and 2, the order does not matter. You can submit the form and then meet with an advisor (if required, based on the discussion you may have already had with your co-op advisor), or you can meet with a career advisor and they will submit the form during your discussion. Both steps must be completed within 48 hours of your interview.
Things to consider before submitting an RWA form:
- Job descriptions are often created months in advance, and it is normal for slight changes to occur.
- You have the option of submitting up to five (5) Not Interested rankings per term to guarantee that you will not be matched with a job.
- Do not include confidential or sensitive information in the Request to Withdraw Application (RWA) form as messages and forms sent using WaterlooWorks are visible to various staff. This information can be shared during your conversation with a career advisor after submitting the RWA form.
- If your request is approved, Co-operative Education will inform the employer of your reason(s) should they inquire. Concerns related to the information that may be shared with the employer can be discussed with a career advisor.
- Remember: submitting an RWA form is just the first step in this process – the more important part involves talking with a career advisor about the reasons behind your request and the options available to you. If you have any questions or change your mind, we’re here to help!
Other important information for interviews
Please click below for additional important information and resources that you may need to know for interviews.
