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Should I go through with interview, or cancel?

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Should I go through with interview, or cancel?

I have been in my current job for less than a year but it is not a role I see myself staying in long term - the work is fun, but ultimately it is a stepping stone towards a more lucrative position.

I have applied to a couple of opportunities recently and I was asked to interview for one job that, while intriguing, would ultimately be a lot more work for the same amount of pay I make now. After a few days of mulling it over since I agreed to interview, I don't know if it's worth it any more.

Should I go through with the interview, or would it be okay to cancel?

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  1. Anonymous

    I would do the interview anyway. They may surprise you, with what they really need and might pay you, and in how much better a stepping stone it could be. (I have had this happen!) Unless the agreed upon interview time interferes with an important deadline at your current role, I'd say, go through with it. The only thing you lose is time.

  2. Anonymous

    Agreed! I recently interviewed for a position that had the high end of their pay listed at the low end of mine, but when I gave them my range, they immediately said, that's doable - and were talking about coming up a little in the range. I ended up taking a different position, but I'm glad I interviewed.

  3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    OF COURSE it's ok to cancel. If you're sure you're not interested in the position, don't waste your time nor theirs.

    I'm sure the company would much rather find out now that you don't want to move forward than go through multiple interviews, have them like you, make you an offer and THEN have you say "I'm not interested".

  4. Anonymous

    Wholeheartedly agree.

  5. Shirley Lents

    I would do the interview because you never know what can happen and what connections you might be able to make. Your connections are your net worth. I've recently been laid off and wish I'd taken the advice to 1) always be learning so you can update your resume every 6 months and 2) interview at least once a year for another job if just for the experience. Your mindset needs to be that you are the CEO of your life so act accordingly. Best wishes !

  6. Anonymous

    You know what they say practice, practice, practice.
    It's great to have an opportunity to polish your interview skills while checking out the role in person.

  7. Megan Leasher

    I would go through with the interview. You never know what might come of it...

  8. Mislyn

    I personally would not take a job today making less money than I currently make. With the high cost of living and yearly raises being rare in most companies. I just could not afford to do it.

  9. Anonymous

    I would stick with the interview. After not interviewing for a long time, I was rusty. Additionally, I agree with what others are saying - you never know what will come out of it. The job may be more aligned with what you're looking for than what is posted on the website. Also, you will be able to negotiate once you move further in the interview process.

  10. Alexis Gladstone

    I agree with others that I would go ahead with the interview. You never know what you will learn when interviewing that wasn't as clear during the screening. You can always drop out of the process or turn down the offer if you receive one.

    One of the best jobs I had was one where I was reluctant about the interview because I didn't like the industry.

  11. Anonymous

    Read an article on LinkedIn yesterday stating we should continue interviewing throughout our career. It's good to see what's out there and keeps our interviewing skills current. I wish I had heeded that advice, but stayed 10 yrs in a job that was paying me way below market, and I didn't even realize it until I got fed up with a new (awful) boss and decided to look elsewhere. I started with a salary paying me 15k more per year for less work, and love my current job x3 years now. Have even gotten a promotion and another 10% bump up in pay! Go for it!

  12. Anonymous

    That's what I have been doing ! My interview skills were awful. I don't want to lose what skills I've gained.

  13. Anonymous

    You never know what connections you'll make, and while this current role isn't something you're targeting, they may be impressed enough to change things up or keep you in mind for a better role down the road.

  14. Maggie Stone

    I have canceled interviews in the past for various reasons that all boil down to knowing the job was not right for various reasons (red flags, lower salary, impossible commute). If you know for a fact that you wouldn’t want the job or wouldn’t accept the job, cancel the interview, particularly if you would have to take time from your current job. However, if there aren’t any red flags or deal breakers, there is no harm in interviewing. As others have said, you can hone your skills and they might have other positions or be willing to negotiate on salary.

  15. Anonymous

    I wouldn't do it.

  16. Paula Rizzo Baines

    Do not waste your time or theirs. I would cancel

  17. Maria Scutaro-Mullen

    Respect them enough not to waste their time.

  18. Jayne Bennett

    I would interview, and here's why: you never know if or when the connections you make will bear fruit in other areas/opportunities. And you may not be given an offer, either. So interview and find out more about the position and the hiring manager and then make an informed decision about whether or not to accept an offer if given.

  19. Anonymous

    I would interview. You may make connections, you definitely hone your interview skills, you may be able to negotiate pay or other benefits, and you may find that the opportunity is more fulfilling than your current role, so while you would make the same, you would be more fulfilled or stimulated mentally. They might also offer substantial bonuses, etc.

  20. Anonymous

    If you are a good enough fit for this opportunity, compensation is ALWAYS negotiable (and all of us need to understand that negotiation is a key career development skill). Additionally, this will help you further hone your interviewing skills; may introduce you to new contacts for now or the future; and forces you to work on your personal "brand", and your own evaluation of what you can contribute to this company, this role, and (future) roles, too. Do the pre-interview research work. Interview.

  21. Anonymous

    I would interview only if you are interested in the company but perhaps not that specific job. If thats the case you may make connections or find other opportunities based on that interview. If you aren't interested in the job or the company to be potential long term then you are just wasting everyones time including your own.

  22. Anonymous

    go through with it and be frank with salary expectations if you get the offer, if you are paid market price for what you do, they should offer more for more work.

  23. Amy Geffen

    Go for the interview. Find out as much as you can. You might be able to negotiate a higher salary or, at the very least, you have made a connection in the company for possible future opporutunities.

  24. GirlBossanova934974

    A lot more work for the same pay and you are not interested? Please cancel as soon as you can. You never know when you will run into this company again and perhaps a better opportunity comes up. You don't want people to remember you as someone who wasted their time.

  25. Jody M. Fox

    Fun means a lot! Cancel!

  26. Gwendolyn Free

    It is definitely your decision! You can decide to go to the interview and negotiate for higher pay from the jump! You never know until you ask!

  27. Carolina Perez Sanz

    You can go to the interview just to practice, knowing that you don’t really want the job. The freedom you’ll experience can make you very attractive to the interviewer and you may get more money if you ask for it.

    Or you can exercise your inner knowing and cancel because you don’t really want the job and why waste everyone’s time?

    good luck!

  28. Anonymous

    If you’re having doubts, you shouldn’t do it, then you'll regret it

  29. Anonymous

    IMO, if you have gone through the process of setting up the interview, I would honor it. Interviews are a way for both the company and the prospect to get to know each other and it is a way for you to sell your skills and why you would be the best option. Somewhere in the process pay will come up. Alot of times the salaries become a part of the discussion on interview 1 or 2. You never know, a company that finds value in your experience may be willing to pay your desired wage.

  30. Anonymous

    Some times you go to an interview with no intention of it going well and it completely surprises you. I was in that position before, where I was going to cancel and it turned out to be the opportunity of a life time. Go to the interview and see if they are open to negotiating in your salary range. Now is the time to be bold and selective since you are not out of a job. Good luck on whatever direction you decide to go!

  31. Anonymous

    The interview is not a commitment to take the job but a chance to hone your skills, see what's out there and figure out what you do (and don't) want. Think of it as an opportunity to practice and ace the interview for your dream job when it comes along!

  32. Anonymous

    If you are eager to make a change from where you are, then invest the time to go through with it, so you can get some traction, experience and grow your network.

    If you are happy and peaceful right now, it may not be the time for you to make a change. Listen to your gut. Maybe make a goal to revisit every 3-6 months cycle.

  33. Anonymous

    I would go to the interview. I am not sure if they already stated pay or are you basing it off some other information . You could also negotiate a higher salary or there could be better benefits. Also interviewing is a form of networking so while you may turn down a role because of pay they may think about you when a higher paying role opens up.

  34. Deb Goeschel

    I always think an interview is a good experience to have. It also helps to truly hone in on what you want or do not want when it comes to work, culture, salary, and benefits. I don't see it as wasted time unless it's completely outside your skill set or level. (Ex: say it's an entry level or meant for someone in the first few years of career and you're mid-level and looking to step into leadership.)

  35. EMILY KIKUE FRANK

    As a few others have said, interviewing is always good practice. And there's the possibility that there's something you don't know about the role or the company, etc., so I call it worth doing. As I often tell my clients, free interview practice!

  36. Julie E

    I would go to the interview and when the subject of salary comes up ask for more money. If they balk, tell them that the position has more responsibilities than your current role. If they won’t step up to the plate with more money you can politely take yourself out of the running.

  37. Farah Bajwa

    It definitely doesn't hurt. You get a chance to hear more about the job, and ultimately you get to accept or refuse the job offer. Worst case, you gained more interview experience.

  38. Anonymous

    The fact that you are barely in your current role for a year gives me some concern for you that you may be a bit over your skis here in thinking you are ready for that next step. Why is it a stepping stone? Are you an expert in what you do now? If so then definitely look, but be humble. And yes, keep the interview. No one has offered you a job yet. If you know you are in a dead end situation now, BUT any new employer that would give you a new opportunity where you are unproven and untested may have either lower salary ranges or simply want to bring you in at a similar rate to now until you get more familiar and firmly into the needs of that new job.

    You cannot have it both ways where you want more but expect more without yet doing more. Think about the career that you want for yourself and the job satisfaction from it. It's not always about the money.

  39. Wendy Scott

    Go to the interview. You will get interview practice and find out more about the job.

    Once you discuss the role with the interviewer you may find it’s something worth pursuing.

  40. Anonymous

    No

  41. Anonymous

    Do you think maybe you should see what they have to offer and if you do interview with this company just remember you don't have to take it. It's totally up to you. If you feel you should cancel that is what I would do. But who wants more work for the same money and do you really like the job you have now?

  42. Anonymous

    No, do not cancel! You don't know what you might learn from the interview and you don't know what other positions might come available at that company down the road. Going back on your word is bad for the reputation. Companies talk to recruiters and you might be surprised at how word gets around

  43. Dawn S. Cross

    Always do the interview. What is the worst that can happen? You don’t get the position?

    You know it is not one you want, but it can help with your interview skills down the road.

    Also, you never know, it could lead to an even better position and/or offer.

  44. Anonymous

    Do the interview, and how do you know for sure that it's the same pay for more work? Did the hiring manager tell you that?

  45. Crystal Howell

    Just Do It, upgrade your title and responsibility, to improve resume..

  46. Kirstie S.

    I would still go through with the interview. If nothing else, you can get more information about the position, the expectations, and whether you think it's a good fit for you or if you're a good fit for them.

  47. Just Mimi

    It’s definitely okay to cancel. You’re not under any obligation to go through with any interview, ever, especially if it’s for a role that you’ve already determined doesn’t fit the plan you have for your career trajectory. More work for the same pay is less pay. You’re looking for more lucrative. Why waste anyone’s time, particularly your own? You can definitely cancel. And that goes for any interview for any role you’ve changed your mind about. It’s nothing personal.

  48. Anonymous

    It it is up to you to decide if you want to cancel the job interviews. I recently got hired full time for a role. Yet, I quickly found out that I got hired to do more work for less than what I make part-time. I only got paid for a day, not for amount that I got hired for.

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