Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template

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If you receive a job application for a suitable vacancy but the vacancy is on hold, send this model letter to acknowledge receipt and confirm the next steps.
- 1 page / 168 words
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text
- Suitable globally (check local legislation)
Save 30 mins drafting time, and reduce your risk.
Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Re: [insert job title]
I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your recent application for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in our company and the time and effort you have put into submitting your application.
I would like to inform you that while we were impressed with your qualifications
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A job application acknowledgement letter is sent to a job applicant to confirm receipt of their application. The purpose of this letter is to inform the applicant that their application has been received and is being reviewed. In some cases, the letter may also provide information about the hiring process and timeline.
In the case where the vacancy is on hold, the acknowledgement letter would inform the applicant that their application has been received and that the hiring process for the position has been temporarily halted. It may also provide a reason for the hold, such as budget constraints or a reevaluation of the job requirements. The letter should be professional and courteous, expressing appreciation for the applicant's interest in the position and assuring them that they will be contacted if the position becomes available again in the future.
Direction:
Compliance
Compliance
This Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
- Equality Act 2010: Ensures that applicants are treated fairly and without discrimination during the application process based on protected characteristics such as age, gender, race, disability, religion, and sexual orientation.
- Data Protection Act 2018: Requires organisations to handle and process applicant data securely and in accordance with data protection principles, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with privacy laws.
- Employment Rights Act 1996: Imposes a duty on employers to provide written terms and conditions of employment, which may include acknowledgment of job applications as part of the recruitment process.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Provides guidelines for the lawful processing of personal data, requiring organisations to obtain explicit consent from applicants for storing and processing their personal information.
- Human Rights Act 1998: Protects the right to privacy and a fair and just recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are treated with dignity and respect throughout the application process.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template, to understand the workflow.

Job application form
If you are recruiting into your organisation, this model job application form template will help you to review candidates consistently and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template for small businesses?
Yes. The Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise this Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access to the Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download the Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need a full HR toolkit, not just the Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include the Application acknowledgement (vacancy on hold) letter template along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need a complete HR library.