โHereโs your dilemma: a recruiter or hiring manager has come across your CV. They found you on LinkedIn and approaches you with an interview opportunity that you havenโt sought out. The problem is that the role doesnโt seem, well, perfect. Itโs not exactly what you want, and you didnโt even apply for it.ย
So what do you do? Do you go for the interview or not?ย
Randy Chan, Head of DSJ Global, APAC, believes candidates should view unsolicited approaches as a gift and advises them to act fast when such opportunities arise. โWhen it comes to job openings timing is everything, so seize the day. Otherwise, you may miss out on a great opportunity.โย
Itโs also important to remember that even if a job doesnโt seem perfect โoff the rackโ, hiring managers can tailor roles for the right candidate, according toย Matthew Wood, Director of DSJ Global, UK.
โThey can shape a position around your skills to take full advantage of the value you bring. Especially if youโve got a niche skill or are leading the way in new technology,โ asserts Mr Wood.ย ย
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Why it may be a good idea to go for the interview
There are many reasons why interviewing for a job you donโt think you want can be a good idea. Here are a few things to consider.ย
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Treat it as a โrecon missionโ
Going for an interview can be a great way to get market โintelโ. Information and insights into the company and industry; to see what opportunities are out there; see what the market is looking for and what you could be worth at another company. You may also learn about new projects that you werenโt aware of.
There may be more to the role than was evident from the job description. Or maybe the company just sounds like a fantastic place to work and you want in. You wouldnโt learn any of this without meeting and talking with them directly. So if youโre open to learning more and maybe being pleasantly surprised, give it a go. You may wind up with an offer thatโs too good to pass up!
Recruiters are one of your best sources of intel. They often have access to inside information that is not publicly available. For example, โat DSJ Global we are often supporting clients as they embark on large transformations of their procurement or supply chain departments. But these projects are rarely widely publicised. The only way potential candidates would find out about them is through specialist recruiters like us,โ says Matthew Wood.ย
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Itโs an opportunity to make valuable contacts
An interview presents an opportunity to get on the radar of a company youโre interested in. It can be valuable contacts of a recruiter โ but only if you interview well and make a really strong impression. Recruiters, for example, can keep you in mind for other roles that may be a better fit. If you let them know youโre open to other roles, they may remember you when future opportunities come up. You can stay on their radar by touching base with them periodically. You can also check their website regularly for job postings.ย
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Stay one step ahead
Itโs always better to look for a job when you already have a job. That shows youโre coming from a position of strength. But not a position of desperation or urgency because you're being made redundant or have reached breaking point at your current job and want to jump ship ASAP. Time or financial pressure can lead to poor decision-making. And to make the right decision is what you want when it comes to choosing a job.ย Going for an interview when youโre not necessarily looking is a stress-free way to put your feelers out and find out about new opportunities. Donโt wait for a company restructure or redundancy to start getting out there.ย ย
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Itโs good practice
Interviewing well is something you get better at with practice, and thereโs nothing like the real thing to hone your skills. The more comfortable you get with interviewing the less nervous youโll be. The more accustomed youโll get to the kinds of questions typically asked, the more confidence youโll have in an otherwise stressful situation. Interviewing for a job you donโt necessarily want has much lower stakes and presents the perfect opportunity to get some practice under your belt. Still, itโs important to treat every interview seriously and prepare as thoroughly as you normally would.
Itโs their chance to sell you the position
Remember that if a recruiter or hiring manager has approached you about a job you havenโt applied for, they know they will have to convince you to consider it. The interview then is their chance to sell you the position. As long as youโre open to hearing what they have to say and are curious to learn more, then go for it.ย
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Why it may be a good idea to passย
However, if you absolutely know that you donโt want the role and wouldnโt take it under any circumstances. Itโs probably better not to waste their time and yours: give it a pass. You need to be aware that if it's obvious that you're there under false pretences or with a different agenda, your strategy will backfire and theyโll remember you for all the wrong reasons. You never know when that could come back to bite you. If your mind is totally closed that will come through, and it isn't fair to waste the interviewerโs time and take the place of a genuine candidate who actually wants the job.ย
You may also want to give the interview a miss if you already have other, better options that youโre weighing up. Whatโs the point of going for a lesser option when itโs just more effort and more choice, but for no real benefit? Do yourself a favour and donโt overcomplicate your life.ย
If you decide to give the interview a pass, always do so politely and keep the door open for future contact. Thank the recruiter or hiring manager for reaching out and let them know you would be open to other opportunities that may match your skills and experience. You never know when that contact will come in handy! Check in with them regularly and connect with them on LinkedIn.ย
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Ask your recruiter the right questions
Ultimately, when it comes to deciding on whether to go for an interview, itโs up to you to weigh up the pros and cons, assess if it could yield benefits or open up an unexpected opportunity, and follow your gut instinct.ย
When making your assessment, Randy Chan stresses the importance of doing your due diligence. Which means researching the company and asking trusted friends and colleagues if they have any useful information that could help steer you in the right direction. It also means asking the recruiter or hiring manager some key questions.ย
โLike I always say to my team, โYou donโt ask, you wonโt get.โ You have to explore, trust your gut and find out for yourself. Because that conversation with the HR or hiring manager can turn your thinking entirely upside down!โ
To assist your decision-making, ask your recruiter questions such as:ย
โข Why is the position vacant? High turnover in the role could be a red flag.ย
โข Ask about the company culture and management style โ is it a good fit for you? If not, thereโs no point.ย
โข Whatโs the career path/progression at this company? Could this role lead to something more and could there be a longer term future there?ย
The answers may just help tilt the balance one way or the other.ย
Christine Corson, Senior Vice President and Head of Procurement & Sourcing Recruitment at DSJ Global, reassures that in most cases, attending the interview is well worth the effort. In her experience, โItโs always better to take the meeting, grow your network, and make an informed decision instead of wondering what might have been.
Ready for an interview? Read more aboutย alternative ways to prepare for an interview.
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DSJ Global is a leading specialist recruitment agency for procurement and supply chain professionals. We know that procurement and supply chain is the critical business driver in any business. We exist to take care of one of the marketโs most significant challenges: talent acquisition. Today, we provide contingency, retained search and project-based contract recruitment from our global hubs in London, Berlin, Switzerland, New York and Chicago.
We pride ourselves in keeping our professional network up-to-date with any changes that will shape the future of work or affect the hiring process. Visit our website to discover more invaluable insights, including exclusive research, salary guides and market trends.
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