Withdrawing from job application

[mgirl]

To anybody who may be reading this,

 

I am wondering how easy it is to pull out of a job application process? I applied for a job a few weeks ago for a company on the other side of the country and am now re-thinking my decision. They have called twice and i think may want to interview me. The first time i told them that i was moving over there and that i was still interested in being considered for the position, but now i am not sure whether i want to move.

 

So, i am wondering... should i be honest with them now so i don't burn my bridges with them (i would really like to work for them but i think now is the wrong time), or should i go ahead with an interview, "just for practice" (as was advised to me by a friend), and then reject job if offered?

 

I am not sure what the convention is here and what would be the "right" thing to do, while still looking after my own best interest?

 

And what should i say? "My personal circumstances have changed, i am sorry, i am still interested in working for you, and will keep my eye on your website if and when i move interstate"?

 

Help!

[shes2smart]

If you feel you could use the interview practice, go ahead and and talk to them. Consider it an information gathering exercise on your part. In a job interview, the potential employer is scoping you out, but it's also a chance for you to scope them out. After going to talk to them, you may find out that you wouldn't want to work there after all.

 

Even if you should get offered the job, you can always turn it down. You don't even have to give a reason. Although if you feel you have to tell them something, you can say something non-specific like you have suggested above, "My personal circumstances have changed so I regret I will have to decline your offer."

 

Unless you're interviewing for some very specialized position, they probably have a large number of applicants anyway. Since you're obviously looking for a job, it's reasonable to expect you are looking multiple places and not just one place at a time.

 

If you wouldn't feel right having them bring you out there for an interview when you know you're not going to move, then just tell them so if they call to set up an interview. Again, you can site "personal circumstances" and not go into any details. Unless the particular interviewer is nosy, I doubt they will ask for details anyway...they may legally not be allowed to ask, but I'm not sure aobut that.

[mgirl]

Thanks shes2smart,

 

I am even more confused now! I feel so bad for letting them interview me, just for the practice, but it probably will be good for me. I am assuming it will be over the phone initially anyway as it is 4,000 kms away.

 

I am not very experienced at interviewing and am nowhere near prepared, so it will be interesting. She may just want to have an impromptu chat first...

[darkblue]

They all ask the same Sorts of questions; sometimes phrased to.. not throw you off.. but keep you on your toes.

 

They may ask:

 

Previous experience.

Why you think you are right for the job [this is almost a certain]

What you could bring to the company.

You qualities.

Depending on the job they may ask if you can use certain machienery/equipment and what experience you've had with it.

 

Good Luck 'n Keep your cool.

[shes2smart]

Thanks shes2smart,

 

I am even more confused now! I feel so bad for letting them interview me, just for the practice, but it probably will be good for me. I am assuming it will be over the phone initially anyway as it is 4,000 kms away.

 

I am not very experienced at interviewing and am nowhere near prepared, so it will be interesting. She may just want to have an impromptu chat first...

 

You are not the only person they are interviewing, especially if it is an entry-level position, so there's really no need for you to feel bad. If your first interview is over the phone, the subject of relocation will probably come up. Be honest with them...maybe something like, "When I applied, it looked very much like I'd be moving, however there are some other circumstances that have come up and I may have to postpone moving for the time being."

 

You might also want to ask if they have any opportunities closer to the city you are in. They might have another office there or another company they own.

 

With the distance, they will only bring you in if they are REALLY interested in you. If that's the case, they may make it worth your while ($$ wise) to move if they really want you.

 

Never forget that YOU are also interviewing THEM at this time. Some companies are just not that great to work for. You may talk to the interviewer and find out things about this employer that you just don't like. It's better to find out stuff like that before you're hired and stuck.

[mgirl]

That is really great advice shes2smart, i really appreciate it... interesting about the "interviewing them" bit. Thank you so much!

[avman]

Well if you truly aren't interested in the position or the location you should let them know. Just simply be honest and tell them your circumstances have changed but thank you. They'll understand, it happens.

 

If the interview is over the phone, you could go through with it I suppose. But if they want to bring you out there and yet you've decided you don't want to move, then I would pull out. I think it would be bad form to waste their time and money to fly you out there if you know full well that you don't want the job.

 

If you aren't sure though, then I'd keep going through the process. Part of the interviewing is for you to also figure out if this is something you want. If you don't know much about the area, then ask them to bring you out and show you around. Most companies understand that you need to look around and decide if this is for you. So ask for their help. I've asked a company to hook me up with a realtor in the area to show me around and see if I'd like the area and the housing. I turned down the job after I saw area but I was able to make an informed decision and feel good about it.

 

Good luck!

[mgirl]

I ended up telling them that i was no longer interested in the position, that i was initially going to move, but that my "circumstances had changed" and that i would not be moving so soon. They were really understanding and the lady at the other end of the phone was really nice. If only it had have been in my city, there wouldn't have been a problem. So thanks for all your help guys, without it i probably would have avoided the phone call and felt bad about it afterwards