02/16/21 at 10:10PM UTC
|Ask anything (even anonymously)…
© 2021 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Today, I turned down an opportunity to interview with a very big name tech company - did I make a mistake?
I told two people that I did this: A friend and former colleague who I trust very much, and my partner.
I turned down the interview because I'm not sure I even *want* to do the job they called about, and I am stressed at work, and I feared I would come off badly in the interview. I may want to apply for other roles at this company down the line. I also would have needed to do quite a bit of prep work, which I don't have time to do. Finally, I want to stay with my current role for at least the next six months.
When I told my partner, they said, "good call."
When I told my friend, they said "Ugh. Always be interviewing. You never know." It made me question my decision.
So tell me, FGB, should I have interviewed anyway?
8 Comments
Katelynn Jimenez
New mom and lover of all things HR
497
02/16/21 at 10:19PM UTC
You know what you can currently handle. Interviewing takes time and coordination as you said. If you are currently stressed and pressed for time, then why pile this on top of that? I think you made the right choice for your current situation. If you had the time available, then it would have been more feasible to take on the interview to see where it could lead.
I think it is better to always have your eyes open for potential opportunities, but it doesn't necessarily mean you should always be interviewing.
2
Reply
Anonymous
02/16/21 at 10:37PM UTC
Trust your gut.
1
Reply
Krista PasfieldDirector of Operations & Corporate Secretary
42
02/16/21 at 10:52PM UTC
Depending on how the company maintains their Applicant Tracking System (ATS), you may have considered saying a version of "not right now" vs a flat "no", given that you'd potentially like to work there in the future. It sounds like you have a plan to stay in your current role for at least six months; you could have shared that detail or a version of it, if you were comfortable. It would paint your decline as specific to the opening they were calling about/the timing vs a general "no thank you".
1
Reply
Nadya GraceVideo & Photo Producer | Brooklyn, NY
128
02/17/21 at 12:26AM UTC
Always trust your instincts! If something inside said this wasn't right for you right now, you made the right choice and I'm sure that company respects your decision. They'll be glad to hear from you down the line if you do see a role that you want! You did the right thing.
1
Reply
SerenaAccount Manager
149
02/17/21 at 12:48AM UTC
I agree with Nadya. It is better to trust your instinct. Give it time and you will feel better about your decision.
1
Reply
Anonymous
02/17/21 at 12:58AM UTC
As others mentioned, it's hard to stay motivated as well as interview when you're working. For most jobs, there are multiple rounds and trying to make that work is stressful. That being said, if you're not in the right mindset, you're not going to come across as a good fit.
I would explain to the recruiter that you're interested in the company but right now, it's not a good time for you to leave your current role. You appreciated the interview offer but you're not looking to make a move at this time.. You don't have anything to lose and hopefully it will lead to the right role in the future.
1
Reply
Anonymous
02/17/21 at 3:24AM UTC
Thank you all so much for these responses, I already feel so much better. Thank you, all. I will sleep better tonight!
1
Reply
Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
4.2k
02/17/21 at 12:14PM UTC
This is your life. And you, only you, can decide what is right in this moment.
What I always share with clients is this, limit the number of people you have as part of your 'intake' team. You know, the team of 'advisors' we all collect around us who offer their advice, wisdom and mentorship. While this may sound counter intuitive, hear me out.
Everyone has their own personal bias'. Your friend may be a super high-achiever and see everything through that lens.
Your significant other may want you to be more available in the relationship and see everything through that lens.
Your parent may fear you're putting too much stress on yourself and see it through that lens.
You get the point. Decision-making is about listening to your quick gut and then letting the thoughts, emotions sit for a couple of hours. Ask yourself powerful questions. Don't think about your responses, just pay attention to what's deep seeded in our subconscious mind.
Working for this big tech company means I need to give up _______
The idea of preparing for an interview right now is _____________
I am staying in this job because _____________
If I'm still in this job in a year, I am going to feel __________
Don't let expectations of other's impact making the decision taht's right for you.
Good luck!
1
Reply
Looking for a new job?
Our employer partners are actively recruiting women! Update your profile today.
The Fairygodboss Feed
We're a community of women sharing advice and asking questions
Employer Reviews
Foxtel
Be ready to know everything about your job and do the job...
Amadeus
Flexible when needing to take time off, but not the most...
Medica
Many women thrive here! The ones who don’t fit well with...
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Very good place to work. Co-workers are commited in what...
Wells Fargo
If you dont have someone supporting/promise your career,...