Decline interview

[Skygarden1zero]

I've been offered a short notice interview todaywith a 20 minute presentation for Friday. Applying for this job was a shot in the dark and felt confident of doing the job upon applying. On reflection now having accepted the interview I am having second thoughts, not about the job just lack of time to prepare and lack of experience in the field in which the role has been advertised. I don't want to burn bridges here as its internal posting but I want to decline. How can I put this across without sounding flakey!?

Just be honest and say it's not what you thought, thank them for considering you but you will be withdrawing your application

Is it a "would do the interview if it was in three weeks' time" deal, or, "I reread the job description or found something out that means I would suit it in... Three more years" deal?

You could still do the interview but be frank with them,
"I have very solid experience with X Y Z and I pick things up reasonably quickly but what level of expertise are looking for with respect to Q?"
Or put out feelers now if you can get an honest answer this way.

It's your workplace and decision. It's just sometimes they're looking for the right person and can take a few learning curves, other times there's non negotiable experience requirements. Obvs we don't know where this situation falls on that range!

Are you sure this isn’t imposter syndrome and nerves talking? We all falter a bit when taking a step up into a new role with greater responsibility. If your first instinct was you were ready for this and you are only put off by not having a lot of time to prepare for the interview, could you gird your loins and power through? The worst that can happen is they don’t offer you the role - but they definitely won’t if you withdraw your application and they just might if you go ahead with it!

I say go for it

All excellent experience whatever happens.

Totally go for it!! They wouldn’t be interviewing you if they didn’t think you could do it! This is why men get all the good jobs - they just bluster in regardless of whether they’re qualified. It doesn’t cross their mind to worry about whether they could do it. Are you most worried about the presentation?

A mediocre man would have a shot without a second thought-I have interviewed them. Nothing to lose here-give it a go. Maybe the short notice is a test strategy as well?

Thanks all. It's more lack of time to be honest. I am out for the rest of the evening and then two days to prepare when I am working till late both days. If I was going to go for it I'd want to give it a good shot and on reflection it doesn't allow enough time. I knee when applying it'd be on Friday but didn't even think I'd get shortlisted. Just no way of revising well for the interview and preparing for a presentation in 2 days.

They decided you are worth interviewing.
Every other candidate will have as much notice/time to prepare.
Where is the downside?

Clear your diary as much as you can. Delegate/defer as much work wise and private life and give it a shot.

I interview people a lot and sometimes am surprised at the outcomes. Over preparation often doesn't come across well either. There is a balance. Personally I think interviews should be on the spot, no preparation at all. If someone knows what they are doing, it will show regardless of prep time or not.

If you really don’t want to give it a shot on Friday, you could always ask if you can postpone to next week. The worst that can happen is they say “no” and you’re no worse off than if you declined completely.

But I agree it’s probably worth a shot. Even a little bit of prep may be enough.

Another one for prepare as best you can and give it a shot. If you have to do any slides keep them short and not fussy. And don't worry about having to fill the time, keep it tight

As an interviewer a short, well structured presentation will win anytime over something overly complex

Some of the best interviews I've had have been when I've "revised" less, sometimes you can overthink things

When you give examples don't forget to model them around STAR
(Situation, task, action, result)

I've just done the same thing after realising that it wasn't for me. It's the same sector that I'm working in now, so it's not going to make me any happier as I want out of it. Just going to keep looking and applying. Least I'm being offered interviews so that's not a bad thing.