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Original poster

Should I cancel the interview?

16 replies

Measureformeasure · 05/05/2023 18:43

I've got an interview coming up next week for a job I'm really unsure about. I was rather bullied into agreeing to interview by a recruiter (constant calls, texts and emails) who also somewhat misrepresented what the job was. He suggested it was a hybrid role and it isn't.

The commute is going to be tricky (about 45 minutes in normal traffic) but the salary would be a huge increase for me and it would be a step up in my career.

My current role allows me to do the school run and is ten minutes from home. I'm not unhappy with my job but a bit bored maybe.

If I have no intention of taking the job should I cancel the interview? I'd have to contact the company directly to do it as I don't want to speak to the recruiter again, if possible.

I'd appreciate any advice.

OP posts:
Watto1 · 05/05/2023 18:45

If you definitely wouldn’t take the job, you should cancel. It’s a waste of everyone’s time otherwise.

good96 · 05/05/2023 18:54

If you’re definitely not going to accept the job then absolutely cancel - you’re wasting your time as well as the companies time..

good96 · 05/05/2023 18:55

That said though. Why don’t you want the job? Can you not make some changes - salary and career progression and that..

EatTheDamnCake · 05/05/2023 18:57

Yeah, if you don't want the job I think you should cancel and the earlier the better. I've had people just not show up which is a bit annoying but even worse when they go through the whole process and then don't turn up on the first day of work (this has actually happened 😂).

But anyway, cancel if you don't want it. People would pay good money for more time at home, so look at it that way. You aren't losing a salary increase, you're buying more time at home

Original poster
Measureformeasure · 05/05/2023 19:04

Thank you for your replies. I can't see myself taking the job, no. I don't want to waste anyone's time. I know the company have been trying to fill this role for months.

I don't want it due to family circumstances. I don't want to spend my evenings stuck on the motorway and missing family dinners together. I don't want to miss bath time or bedtime stories. Being practical about it I would need to extend nursery hours for my youngest or DH would need to cut his hours. It would be do-able, if I wanted the role.

OP posts:
lopsidedgrin · 05/05/2023 19:14

Why not go along and see what they have to say? The role might appeal more and for the right person there could be flex with work pattern.

If the non-negotiables have been firmly set, then bow out now but keep it professional - you never know when you'll want a new opportunity :)

timesogin · 05/05/2023 19:28

I agree with pp. if they've been trying to fill it for months and they think you are a good fit then they could well be open to negotiating hours/ hybrid

Guineasrule · 05/05/2023 19:34

If the role was hybrid or allowed WFH most of the time would that change things? Or turn it down saying the commute is not feasible for you & see if there is any wiggle room for negotiation.

Original poster
Measureformeasure · 05/05/2023 20:08

If the role was hybrid or WFH then it would absolutely be different. If it was only a couple of days a week I'd have to commute then I'd be much keener on making the leap.

They have been looking since at least January. I was thinking that was a negative about the company if they cannot find anyone for the role. It's pretty unusual for my industry, actually.

I suppose given how long they've been looking if it is a good fit I wonder if I could negotiate at 4pm finish or something until the kids are bigger. Would still probably be financially better off. Maybe I should just go and find out? You've all given me lots to think about. Thank you!

OP posts:
egfd2557 · 05/05/2023 20:17

I think you should go! You never know, you might really like it and all interviews are good practice if you're job hunting

Username84 · 05/05/2023 20:27

I've had roles that took ages to fill and, for the right candidate, we negotiated. It's always worth being up front about it.

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 05/05/2023 21:01

You should definitely go! It's not unusual for a role to be open for longer these days, there's a massive shortage of people in all sectors.

And with that in mind... if you're right for the role you will most likely be able to negotiate days at home/early finish, etc.

But even if it doesn't work out, it's good interview practise for when the right role does come along.

Original poster
Measureformeasure · 11/05/2023 18:48

Thank you all for your encouragement and advice.

I went to the interview today and was offered the job. The company were lovely and it wasn't so much of an interview but a friendly chat. I was there for an hour but it felt like half that.

The offer was 150% of my current salary and matched my other conditions. They said they'd be flexible on hours too. So definitely worth going as I may be able to make this work after all!

OP posts:
JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 11/05/2023 19:58

Congratulations! So pleased for you. Really glad you went for the interview. Lesson for everyone... if a company likes you and you like the company, there is ALWAYS room for negotiation around flexibility.

Squareclock · 11/05/2023 20:09

Is it a role that could be hybrid? I'd be inclined to do the interview just to make the point that the recruiter lied to you. Then, if you're successful, they might agree to a hybrid arrangement.

Squareclock · 11/05/2023 20:10

Oops, sorry and well done! But my advice was good 😆

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