When is there a good reason to turn down job interview?
Q: I am actively job searching, and, fortunately, I have been invited to several interviews. One company does not really interest me, even though I applied for a position there two months ago. They are just now contacting me, and I have changed my mind about working there. Should I go to the interview even though I am not interested in the position?
A: Your question is one that often needs clarification for most job candidates who are in the market looking for good opportunities.
The dilemma usually comes from the desire for an interview where a job offer could happen to the fear of turning one down because you might not get another interview.
Some candidates will often turn down a job interview that no longer interests them for various reasons.
The position no longer matches their goals, or the compensation needs to be higher. Both of which are valid explanations for turning down an interview.
But before you decline the interview, consider your decision’s ramifications.
Going to an interview does take time in the form of preparation and research. It helps to be mindful that when you are conducting a job search, many unknown variables can change your expectations. For example, it is impossible to predict what the conversation will be like during an interview.
Yet people will sometimes do their best to talk themselves out of a job opportunity for all of the reasons they assume.
You will know if it is a good opportunity once you talk with an interviewer about the job position. You can spend time guessing or spend energy meeting with interviewers and learning more about the company’s needs.
As an active job candidate, consider going on all interviews.
Even though the employer is late in contacting you, there could be a logical reason. Think of interviews as good ways to discover more information while practicing marketing skills.
Your confidence grows when you are more comfortable talking about your skills and experience. A different dynamic occurs when you are answering and discussing your background with another person who can decide to keep the process moving forward or call it quits.
The more opportunities you have to discuss your experience and the value you bring, the more likely you will find a good career path.
Some advice that job candidates receive is to never reject a job interview because of the unpredictable nature of where a search may take you. I suggest carefully weighing the pros and cons of turning down an interview while being mindful of what type of positions you are interested in pursuing.
While time is valuable during a search to both the employer and you, never discount that time is well spent in understanding the company and the employer’s needs. You are not wasting your time. Instead, the experience will benefit you in some way.
Accepting a job interview invitation does not mean you have to take the job if you receive an offer.
On the contrary, it means you are gathering information to help you make better decisions about managing your career.
During a search, always ask yourself, “what is the worst thing that can happen?”. If you receive a job offer, you can decline it, but at least you know all the facts before you do so.