To ask for help? I got a job interview I'm not qualified for.

[PeachFamily]

I have been applying for jobs as I'm currently unemployed and dying to get a new job. Yesterday a recruitment agency called me and asked if I can come in for an interview with them . They have asked about a couple of specific qualifications which I don't have or only small experience. I sort of misunderstood the job description when applying and it is actually a graphic designer job (I am looking for a different type o design job) interview is this morntand I am shifting myself as I think there has been a bit of a miscommunication.

When I spoke to the lady on the phone she seemed mixing up things too so it's a bit awkward

Mmm. Perhaps just ring them and be honest. No point going if it's not what you want and you aren't able to actually do the job.

What help do you want?

I would just speak to the recruitment agency and cancel the interview as the job isn't one you are qualified for. Just apologise for the misunderstanding (did you not get the job description to review before applying? Was it not clear?)

It's a bit awkward but a lot better than going to the interview and embarrassing yourself and wasting their time (and yours)

If you're not qualified then what do you want anyone here to do?

They are hiring a graphic designer. You aren't a graphic designer. Called the agency, clarify to be sure and then apoligise and cancel. And also remind the agency of what you're actual qualifications are.

*your

I’ve had this too. I think they like to send you to bump up their numbers. Either tell them you aren’t qualified OR (my preference) go along, be charming as hell and make some contacts, see what the organisation is like etc. No you won’t necessarily find a way in, but you never know when you might run into them again and you can use the interview as experience. Interviewing is a skill on its own, so practicing that can be beneficial. That said, if you think you’ll just be wasting each other’s time, then speak to the hiring manager if you can. Either they’ll say no way are we interested, or they’ll say come in anyway as we’d like to meet you. Some organisations are really flexible and like making contacts.

Hmm, I'm not sure that's a job you can really get away with not being qualified for! What type of designer are you? Is it similar or nowhere near?

Personally I'd go along and explain yourself. You may find they have another less experienced role that could suit you. Be honest, make potential contacts for the future and who knows.. I've previously interviewed people not qualified to do a job who I actually liked and then got in touch at a later date with roles mores suitable within the company. Don't sell yourself short, you have an interest in this field and although your current experience doesn't meet their requirements it may well do so in the future.

I did the interview with the recruitment agency at the end. I'm in interior design the job is in graphic design. Some of my skills suit for graphic design. It's an entry level job. I applied for it as there is not much interior design opportunity nearby. The graphic designer job comes with full training as well... the recruiter didn't give me much info about the job but from what she said it's a fairly basic/entry level job. She is putting me forward and I agree with @SuckOnTHATRyan interviewing is a skill on its own and I haven't done an interview for over 3 years so I'll just do it for the experience. Worst case I don't get the job.

Good for you peach, bet you're glad you went!

That’s fab op! Hope it goes well.