Would you go to an interview for a job you aren't sure you want anymore?

jerry557

So you apply to a job ad, and they want to bring you in for an interview. But in your research of the company or the job as you prepare for the interview you find some red flags or perhaps other things that have put a damper on whether you even want the job anymore.

Is it smart to go to the interview anyway or cancel it and save everyone's time?

networker050184

If you aren't sure then I'd still go. If you've already made up your mind then no I'd pass.

MeanDrunkR2D2

Sometimes you will find bad things about a company just because an ex employee had sour grapes about the company. I'd at the least go to the interview and see for myself how the manager/etc appear. Some places I've been there are departments that have horrible issues, but not in the area I would work in and things were pretty great. Others in other departments were miserable, overworked, and hated their jobs.

I'd still go and see.

danny069

I agree, go check out it for yourself and then add to your conclusion.

DatabaseHead

I'm not really into that to be honest.

Ertaz

If you are in the market, but not for that job, I would go just for the experience. I like to meet folks and talk about my favorite subject, me. (Just kidding) I think its a productive exercise to keep your interview skill sharp.

Techytach

It really depends on the circumstances. Most likely go anyway.

Unless its something that reaaalllly soured you or you just wouldn't be able to take the job logistically. Basically I wouldn't go if it were rude (like walking in with a chip on your shoulder) or 0 chance of accepting.

For instance, I had an interview where they out right lied about the position being offered. I declined to go to the follow up interview.

blatini

It is sometimes hard to justify taking the time off from work to go to an interview you aren't excited about. I am in a situation now where I am running out of reasons to take time off because I have been lucky with getting a lot of intriguing opportunities in a short time span. Not ideal but it is a result of a good cause which I can't complain too much about.

DoubleNNs

Interviewing gives the company a chance to prove that they are the right company for you as much as it allows you to prove that you're the right candidate for the job. Especially true if you're a highly sought after individual.

tmtex

I have done both. Meaning I didn't want the job but went for experience or cancelled it

Basic85

You're obligated to accept any job so if you want to go ahead and check it out. Ask A LOT of questions and in the end go with your gut.

TechGromit

Depends. While I can see the value of going anyway for the experience or to find out for myself what the job is about. If it would be a hardship to take off of work, or an inconvenience to get the interview I'd pass.

ITBot

Getting some good practice interviewing is always worthwhile in my opinion. Even if you decide against taking the job later, it's still a valuable experience.

chrisone

You can use the interview as practice. Go in there without any care (but show respect) and just use the time to practice your interview skills. If they call you for a second interview or actually give you the job lol then just respectfully tell them you have accepted another offer and thank them for their time.

Clm

I would go. I know my current job had extra perks that i didn't know about until i actually interviewed.

clouder

I'd go. If nothing else, it's interview practice.

blargoe

I would echo the sentiments above about using this for valuable interview practice. Each interview is different, and the more you go through, the better equipped you are to manage future interviews.

If you are leaning toward not working at this company, then you can be emboldened to use this to practice interviewing THEM (which should be part of the process anyway, but often inexperienced interviewees do not take advantage of this opportunity).

I interviewed at a company last year, and after doing some "due diligence" with online research (probably some the same sites that you looked at, I would imagine... company reviews, news articles, research into the product sector of the company), for my in person interview, I came prepared with some questions about the company's health, the operating environment, team dynamics, etc.

If you go in and (tactfully) indicate that you have some reservations about x and y potential issues/challenges based on company research and solicit feedback from potential peers, managers, whomever is included; I doubt that it would be ill-received. If it is, then you are probably right about not wanting to work there.

Just understand that basing your entire opinion of a company based on Glassdoor.com reviews (for instance) is a bit of a one-sided approach that may not accurately depict the reality of working for the company and/or the team on to which you would be placed.

Good luck.

Chinook

@OP

I would go. Once there, try to look around & see how the staff carry themselves. Are they interacting with each other or are they miserable sitting in their corner. Then go ahead and ask some serious questions about the firm. A reputable company is not going to take issue with you asking about future plans, timelines, etc. Just don't ask for specific details as they likely can't offer them.

As for Glassdoor ratings. If a dozen people complain about the lousy bonus structure, there is a good chance the bonus structure is lousy. Look for similar remarks. Ignore the super angry & super positive responses. All that is metadata on the company and a lot of time metadata is correct (ask your local computer hacker/FBI guy lol).

CIO

Like others have stated, I would go just for the experience of interviewing for technical roles. But I guess that all depends where you are in your IT career.

networker050184

Practice interview.... As someone that interviews people it infuriates me when that is suggested. It's hard enough to find serious prospects that want the job, much less wasting time with people just trying to get practice.