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Job Interview - Do I tell them I am no longer interested?

SeraBella

By SeraBella
in Business and Professional Relationships

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SeraBella Established Member

SeraBella

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This may seem like a silly question, but I am curious to hear some opinions:

 

I had an interview late this afternoon for a job that I knew little about. It turns out that I am extremely overqualified, and the interviewer stated that numerous times throughout the interview. However, he still seemed interested in me, and asked if he could contact a specific former coworker of mine for a reference. I have no problem with him contacting this person, but I told him that I would like to contact them to see if it was ok(he is not on my list of references and I always ask references if it is ok before using them, I don't know if that is normal). I said I would call them first thing in the morning and get back to him tomorrow with the guy's information.

 

After thinking about the interview, the position, and the company, I've pretty much decided I do not want to work there. I think I will be bored with the job, I was not very impressed with the office and the company, and I'm fairly certain it's just not a good fit for me.

 

I've never really had an interview and known so quickly that I didn't want the job. After an interview I usually send a thank you letter indicating my interest,etc. but what do I send for this?

 

Should I send a thank you for the interview letter but indicate I am not interested? Is that appropriate? I don't want to waste his time having him check references, etc. when I am 99% certain it's not a position I will accept if offered.

mental_traveller Established Member

mental_traveller

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Don't waste time with a letter. Just write an email or call them and say that after thinking it over, you agree with him that it's not quite the right role for you, then say thanks for their time.

 

Business professionals don't get personally offended if someone doesn't want to take a job after a first interview, it happens all the time. It's a marketplace after all, and first interviews are about finding out what a person and company are like, they aren't a promise to join. So just let them know the truth in a polite way.

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SeraBella Established Member

SeraBella

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Don't waste time with a letter. Just write an email or call them and say that after thinking it over, you agree with him that it's not quite the right role for you, then say thanks for their time.

 

Business professionals don't get personally offended if someone doesn't want to take a job after a first interview, it happens all the time. It's a marketplace after all, and first interviews are about finding out what a person and company are like, they aren't a promise to join. So just let them know the truth in a polite way.

 

Thanks for your thoughts! I actually was planning on an email, although I said letter.

 

I didn't think he would be offended - I just didn't know if it was appropriate to say I'm not interested so soon, or if I should just let it ride.

JohnnyBlaze Established Member

JohnnyBlaze

Posted
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MT's right; it's nothing personal, and most managers know this. They know the interview is a two-way street; it's as much to determine if they're right for you as it is to see if you're right for them.

Quinch Established Member

Quinch

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If you continue with the process then you'll be wasting their time and yours because it sounds like you'll be looking for another new job in a few weeks. It's time, money and training down the drain. That'll piss 'em off for sure.

Nemo Established Member

Nemo

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I am 99% certain it's not a position I will accept if offered.

You sound like you're not positive. When you're not totally sure, it's best to follow the process to its conclusion. Remember that everybody is replaceable, there isn't anybody that's indispensable, and there is no such thing as "overqualified." That last one is pure bullsh*t. You are either qualified, or you're not. Simple.

Trialbyfire Established Member

Trialbyfire

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If they ask you for another interview, just say you've had the opportunity to get a feel for what the job entails and decided that it wasn't what you're looking for. Do thank them for their time.

 

The interview process isn't one way. Not only are they interviewing you, they also need to sell you on the company and the position. You have value too!

Nemo Established Member

Nemo

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The interview process isn't one way.

That's true. Sometimes it's a three way, and you get to try a variety of positions before you come. Or, if you don't come, then you can tell them where to get off.

Trialbyfire Established Member

Trialbyfire

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That's true. Sometimes it's a three way, and you get to try a variety of positions before you come. Or, if you don't come, then you can tell them where to get off.

No need to worry about Corporate types not getting off. You'll find that most management do it naturally through personal belief in oneself!

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SeraBella Established Member

SeraBella

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If you continue with the process then you'll be wasting their time and yours because it sounds like you'll be looking for another new job in a few weeks. It's time, money and training down the drain. That'll piss 'em off for sure.

 

Right. I guess that is why I was questioning...if it was worth it to be courteous. It won't really have any effect on me if I do piss them off, but I know the value of time.

 

there is no such thing as "overqualified." That last one is pure bullsh*t. You are either qualified, or you're not. Simple.

 

You're right. It is usually beneficial to have a phd when working as a cashier at Walmart.

 

Also, a Masters degree and 25 years as a CEO could always come in handy when applying for an entry-level fry cook position. Leadership skills are always beneficial.

 

If they ask you for another interview, just say you've had the opportunity to get a feel for what the job entails and decided that it wasn't what you're looking for. Do thank them for their time.

 

The interview process isn't one way. Not only are they interviewing you, they also need to sell you on the company and the position. You have value too!

 

He sent me an email late yesterday, so I will write back this morning and say this much.

 

I definitely realize the interview process is not one way. I'm somewhat trying to change my career path while still utilizing many of my skills, and I have sent my resume to many positions that are not right in line with my experience. This is why he was saying I was overqualified, and was questioning why I was looking for something in that line of work. Part of his explanation of the question turned me off. I could tell that he looked down upon his assistants and clearly did not respect them. Who would want to go into something knowing that straight off?

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SeraBella Established Member

SeraBella

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That's true. Sometimes it's a three way, and you get to try a variety of positions before you come. Or, if you don't come, then you can tell them where to get off.

 

No need to worry about Corporate types not getting off. You'll find that most management do it naturally through personal belief in oneself!

 

Thanks, guys! Great things to keep in mind. This afternoon I have a four-way with a manager, CFO, CEO and myself. It should be a good time.

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