Cancelling a job interview last minute

[otherellie]

Hi all,

I have a job interview scheduled for Thursday morning. It's a second round interview and during the first interview, I realised the job isn't for me. I didn't want to completely write it off but I've now thought about it more and decided that I wouldn't take the job even if I was offered it.

I don't want to waste people's time by doing an interview for a job I have no interest in taking. I have also been struggling with mental health this week and the anxiety about the interview is really getting to me.

Would it be ok to cancel now or should I just go ahead with the interview?

I was headhunted for the role and my main concern is that I burn bridges with the recruiter if I cancel with minimal notice. Although I don't see how doing the interview is any better - either I do terribly and the recruiter thinks I'm useless so stops putting me forward for things, or I have to decline an offer / any further interviews...

Thanks in advance

Tricky one. If it was NHS, council etc I'd say bow out as you are likely one of many and it won't impact negatively on you. (Assuming it's a fairly generic role.)

But in this case if you feel you can I'd attend the interview then contact them to withdraw explaining that after interviewing you feel this post is unsuitable. But it depends how you are feeling too.

Better you are honest and say it's not for me. The recruiter should appreciate that. If they want to have you as a client in the future they should be reasonable. You're potentially worth 10% of any future salary to them!

If you're really certain that you don't want the job (as opposed to imposter syndrome or your anxiety making you not want to do the interview), it's much better to pull out now. Just be honest and say that following the first interview you've had an opportunity to further reflect on the role and you've decided it's not the right fit for you.

I'm not sure if it will affect how the recruiter sees you, probably not if it's a one off and you are clear about the reasons why the job isn't right for you and how it differs from your ideal role. I suspect bombing the interview or declining an offer post-interview would be worse for your credibility.

It's perfectly acceptable to phone to say that the role isn't for you and you don't want to waste their time or yours. There's nothing more frustrating as an employer to offer a job and the person says No thanks.

Thanks all. I’ll call now to withdraw from the process.

I know I definitely don’t want the job - it’s much more of a niche technical role than I had imagined. I also don’t think I’m the right fit for what they want.

Being honest there’s some anxiety/laziness behind the decision too, but ultimately it’s the fact I don’t want the job that’s driving it.