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Tue 10 Jan, 2006 03:54 pm
Yes you read the subject line right - how NOT to ace an interview.
I have a problem, not a bad problem. I was called by a good friend and asked if I was interested in interviewing for a position in the company he works for. We met for lunch and, while not enthusiastic, I listened politely as he told me about the position. He asked if he could come back to me with more information in the hopes that it might be something I would be interested in. Although it does sound right down my alley and I have worked with him before and got on very well, I am not terribly excited about the prospect. I guess I have gotten my current job where I want it to be and am finally reaping some benefits - have scheduled some classes which the company is paying for. I know if I asked the new company to match these benefits they probably would, but I am not too keen to move right now.
So, on to the Q. My friend has scheduled an interview for me with his boss. I do not want to let my friend down and refuse the interview and besides, what do I have to lose anyway by just going and meeting with him? Right? The problem I have is, when I am in an interview, I am very (how do I put this without seeming like a complete smug-head) good at selling myself. I tend to enthusiastically verbalize that I can do the job (regardless of whether I can or not) well and I am good at telling them what they want to hear and being amusing and whatnot. I've done it before - done an interview where I knew I didn't want the job, sold myself at the interview and made it seem like I really wanted the job, and then when offered it, turned it down.
I don't want to piss off my friend, his boss, or this company. I need to pull myself back from the interview-fiend I can turn into and gently speak to them without giving the impression I am ready to start Monday morning at 9. Any thoughts?
Don't bathe for a couple of days.
hmmm. i would not go to the interview. it would be better for everybody involved if you just have a talk with your friend beforehand - there is nothing bad with liking the job you have now and not wanting to take another. otherwise your friend and his boss and your current employer might feel like you don't know what you want and are pulling everybody around by their noses. be assertive, girl, tell your friend you don't really want no interview.
Yep that's true Dag, I wouldn't want my current employer to find out and then think I'm ready to jump ship. I might give my pal a call tomorrow and talk to him.
And DrewDads suggestion made me laugh. I am such a control-freak about interviews that I would need therapy if I got a spot on my interview suit, never mind didn't shower!
Ask about their internet pornography policies.
Actually, go with dag's advice, hopefully without burning any bridges. Who knows; they might make it worth your while to change. Nothing like negotiating from a strong position.
Oh yeah, they could have blocks on various sites. What if I couldn't log into A2K? Noooo, no, I'm sorry, can't take the job. Not good.
I agree with Dag, Heeven. If you definitely don't want the job, just tell him. If you blow the interview, he's going to look bad, too.
I called my friend to tell him I wasn't going to interview for the position since I am happy where I am. He told his boss and his boss called me this morning and asked if I would meet with him anyway. He said he understood I am not looking for a new job but he would like to talk to me anyway. I told him that I didn't want to take up his valuable time when he could be interviewing other candidates that were more serious about looking for a position and might be a better fit. He then asked if I was free next week to meet for lunch. I felt trapped and couldn't wiggle my way out of it politely. So I guess I'm going!
You've been honest with him, so pick a restaurant, and don't let your conscience bother you - as long as lunch lets you get back to your real job on time.
My god he is a persistant man.Not very nice of him to keep bugging you.Sounds like youve practically got the job anyway!
You should have gone to the interview, sounds like you would have got the job anyway and when they offer it to you just say no thanks.
Alternatively, turn up in a suit jacket, shirt, tie, susspenders and high heels.
Sounds good!
Could be a win-win situation -- like, this guy's boss already knows who he's going to hire, but he has to go through the formality of interviewing X number of people for the position
I think you could look at it as an informational meeting but definitely make your stance firm at the lunch if the guy tries to reel you in. It never hurts to meet new people and network, but you gotta let everyone know what your position is.
Aaaaarrggghhh.
Don't you just hate that?
All week now I'd be worrying about what he going to do to try to talk me into something.
he sounds pushy. do you get that impression heeven?
The real question is: Should you let him pick up the tab for lunch?
I AM concerned that he might try to talk me into it and I don't like pushy people. I am generally quite an assertive person. It's just in interview-type situations that my silly wanting-to-please personality pops out.
I think I will meet him for lunch and chat nicely about the industry and listen to what he has to say. Unless he surprises me with a job that I am VERY interested in, I'll tell him it was nice to meet with him however I am happy where I am.
Oh and he'll definitely be paying for lunch. If he invites me and it is business-related, it should be covered by him. Besides the restaurant he selected is bloody expensive!
No not Radius. I've never had the pleasure. Have you ever eaten there?
He selected Cafe Budapest. Although I'd rather go somewhere less swanky for a light lunch!
Actually, I've been to Radius a few times, I was a contractor (I'm a contractor now, but it's for a different company and a different temp company) and the recruiter loved going there. So we'd go - him, me, and the other four people who were contracted at Fidelity. Hence I was the only woman. We worked in a casual office so everyone except the recruiter was always underdressed. I gotta say, the ambience was lovely but the food was not a major league rave-o-rama. I've eaten in a lot of places, Mom and Pops, chains, private establishments, fancy places, etc. and Radius wasn't in my top 10.
Haven't been to Café Budapest -- definitely sounds like this guy is out to impress. Maybe treat it like a date, at least in the sense of, he's buying lunch so that means you don't owe him a good-night kiss -- or a yes on a job offer.
Yes, I guess it's going to be a bit formal and less relaxed than I'd hoped.
I don't think he is trying to impress me (at least I seriously hope not) but am a wee bit let-down that this might be the type of restaurant he generally goes to. It seems a little over-the-top for a relaxed chat. I'd rather go to a more fun place. Ah well, I'll try to disseminate the menu before the day in question - so I'll know what I'll be eating!
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