3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Cancel a Job Interview
In the middle of your job search frenzy, you’ve probably applied to jobs that you weren’t really interested in or they weren’t your first choice of positions. But the longer your job search goes on, the more likely you are to consider other opportunities. So when the hiring manager at one of these companies calls to invite you on an interview, you accept partly out of desperation.
Now that you’ve had the chance to mull it over, you aren’t really looking forward to the interview. You think it might be a good idea to cancel a job interview.Sound familiar? It’s a pretty common scenario.
First of all, you should do everything in your power to make it to the job interview. If you cancel, chances are someone else is going to get the job. Not only will you be searching for other opportunities, but it can reflect poorly on your personal brand.Most industries are small, and HR people talk. You don’t want word to get around that you aren’t a reliable candidate. And if you apply to other positions within the same organization down the road, your resume may get immediately tossed in the trash.
So why should you go out on the interview you aren’t excited about?
The job and the company may surprise you.
Don’t judge a job or the company solely on the job description. It’s a known fact that most job descriptions and postings online are horrible. They aren’t a true reflection of the role you will play. By going on the interview you have a chance to see the environment first hand, and actually meet with people who work there. Seeing and hearing about the position in person, rather than just over the phone, may cause you to change your mind about the opportunity.
Practice makes perfect.
It never hurts to go on a job interview. The more opportunities you have to practice your interview skills, the better. It’s even better if this will be a type of interview you have little-to-no experience in. Some companies use group panel interviews, others Skype interviews, while others have hands-on interviews. Each interview you go on will sharpen your skills and bring you up-to-date on the interview process. You will also learn to be prepared for the tricky questions and any unexpected situations that could (and will) arise.
Use the interview as bargaining power.
Hiring managers often ask where else you are interviewing. You can use the fact that you are actively interviewing at other companies as a way to increase their sense of urgency with hiring. It lets the company know that if they are interested in hiring you, they better make up their mind soon before another company does.
If you are forced to cancel a job interview, let the recruiter or hiring manager know as soon as possible. Be honest, but also make sure the reason you give is a legitimate one. Most recruiters will understand that family and other emergencies do happen.
What do you think: Would you ever cancel a job interview during your job search?