That is the question. As some of you know and support, I recently got let go from an all-consuming job and am still sifting through the emotional rubble. Thankfully, I am starting to enjoy life again and know not to repeat the same mistake of taking something that I knew was going to be a bad fit.
Well, lo and behold, I actually got an interview for another job. The truth is I am not ready to interview and I don't think I'm all that interested in this job, now that I had a chance to peruse the description.
I know it's just an interview but I'm just not ready. Does that make sense? I ususally interview well but I guess I'm wondering if I should interviewi for something I'm all not that interested in. I fear the anxiety I get before the interview. As usual I feel pressured.
Any advice would be warmly welcomed :-)
**Thank you everybody. My biggest mistake last time was accepting a job I knew wasn't a good fit in an industry I was trying to exit. I took the job out of family pressure and it back-fired. I know I want a major career change.
I would go to the interview and use it as practice.
You might like the team. While the position may not be a fit - they may realize that as well and consider you for something else.
GOOD LUCK!!!
I was in the same boat last week, and asking myself the exact same question. If anything it is great practice. I was nervous even though I had no expectations to get the job, I think it was just the whole idea of interviewing. I rocked the interview and she offered me the job on the spot. I knew half way through for sure I did not want it, but I thought what the hell just give it my all. I told her I needed some time to discuss with my husband and then I called and turned down the job.
I would go just for the practice and hopefully you won't be as nervous on the interview for the job you truly do want.
Go for the interview. If nothing else, it will be good practice. In fact, tell yourself you don't care if you get the job or not, you're just doing it for the practice. It will probably remove the anxiety for you.
Good luck :)
I say go on the interview. Sometimes talking in person gives you a better feel for the company/position etc. Just go in with the mindset that you are not obligated to accept any job offer. Look at it as an opportunity to practice interviewing and explore options. I have gone on a few interviews in the past 6 months. One position I was sure I wouldn't like, but ended up really liking the manager and loved the direction they wanted to take the company in. Unfortunately, the position fell through, but now I know I would like to work there. The last interview I went on, I kept thinking "I wish this would end". I knew I didn't fit in at the office and the hours really weren't for me. If I didn't go, I wouldn't have known this. Good luck with whatever you decide!
E.S., my husband was corporately downsized earlier this year and interviews have been few and far between even though he's applied for lots of jobs. When he has gotten offered interviews for jobs he is pretty sure are not for him, I've told him to go anyway. First, it's a practice interview for when the real deal comes along. Also, I told him it is never a waste of time for him to meet someone in his industry - even if the job isn't for you, it's a networking opportunity. I say go. What's the worst that happens? You get offered a job that you don't want. You aren't obligated to take the job if offered. In this market, there will absolutely be someone else who wil be glad that you declined. Good luck!
You know what? Just going and "practicing" is invaluable for that job that you would want. Shouldn't be too much anxiety if you look at it as a dry run instead of the real deal. When I was looking for a change, I went on quite a few interviews of just so-so jobs. I got to practice my responses and by the time that a job came around that I was really interested in, the interview felt like old hat, you know? And yes, I got the job I wanted because my confidence and honed responses were spot on.
I would go on the interview. I am currently looking for a new job because my plant is closing, and I'm interviewing for all jobs I am offered. You learn more about the company and who you might work for or with when you're interviewing. Just going off of the job description may not give you a full picture of what to expect. And even if it isn't a good fit, you still got some interview practice in so that you can nail the next one that is perfect for you :)
Good luck!
Dear E.S.
i believe that if you want to start looking, the process of interviewing, even for the imperfect job, is a good place to start the journey. It will help you prepare your thoughts and goals as you get ready.... See it as practice for that 'perfect' job.... and just maybe that imperfect job will one day be perfect.
Hope this helps...
J.
Go to the interview. Often, what sounds lousy on paper isn't and vice versa. Interviews are your way of learning more about a job. Worst case, you go and decide you were right, you're not interested. Nothing lost. But what if you end up loving the opportunity once you meet the employer and learn more about it?
The pressure is off, honestly, if you're going into this not 100 percent invested in landing this job. So, the interview shouldn't be that stressful. Treat it more as an opportunity to learn more about the job.
Life is too short. If you are not ready then don't go. Enjoy your time off.
If you don't face your fear now, then when? As many others were saying I say to you too, use this interview as an opportunity for practicing your interview skills. If it isn't a position or company you don't want to work for you are under no obligation to accept an offer. You do get to choose once an offer is on the table.
Don't be ruled by your fears but triumph over them by facing them with courage, dignity, grace, and inner strength. Definitely interview.
