[VuongN]

For situations like this, email the hiring company (not the recruiters--you should have your interviewers' info anyway) and in the nicest way possible "withdraw" your application citing the reasons:

1) You had other opportunities that needed quicker answer and multiple attempts at communications with the recruiter were not very transparent and thus you needed to move on and pursue another opportunity. Cite the appropriate dates you made the attempt at connecting with the recruiter.

2) Thank them for the opportunity and wish them well. Here's the kicker: you also CC the recruiter and his manager :)

This is probably the nicest and most professional "flip-the-bird" to the recruiter that treated you badly. I know it might be a bit petty, but if you just withdraw your application with the recruiters, he/she might give the hiring company the impression that you were just flaky and pull out at the last minute. People do talk, especially when you're doing contracts. You have to look out for yourself first and if the recruiter is any good, he would be doing everything he can to take care of you.

Still, if the start date is only the issue and everything was signed already--would it be fair for you to contact the company directly and ask them what's up before you withdraw your application?

[richpalmer2]

Thanks for this advice. I was thinking about ways to close the loop and get out of this situation without harming future opportunities. This would be a good way to make sure my name stays clear with the hiring manager.