Has anyone continued the interview process but halfway through realized the job wasn't for them and decided to remove themselves from the candidate pool or did you complete the process and decline their offer?

39 Comments

1. SarahMarch 3,2024 at 8:53PM UTC

   I have. I told them that after some thought, I didn't feel that it was a good fit. They appreciated my candidness and neither of us continued to waste our time. I'm not sure there is any point in continuing if you are certain it isn't for you. What is your concern?

2. Kimberly FerraroMarch 3,2024 at 9:32PM UTC

   My initial concern, not following my instincts and having regret later. There were also some red flags during the interview not horrible just something else to consider.

   Think I already have my answer just always helpful to hear another's perspective. Following my gut and intuition is something I'm still learning to do. :-)

3. SarahMarch 4,2024 at 8:11PM UTC

   I can relate! I am also still developing the confidence of following my gut and intuition. Hopefully, the reinforcement you are getting adds to your confidence. You got this!

4. MeganMarch 3,2024 at 9:01PM UTC

   If you realize the job isn’t for you, take yourself out. No need to waste your time or others! Go with your gut and spend your time wisely!

5. AnonymousMarch 3,2024 at 9:14PM UTC

   Don't be afraid to tell them it's not a good fit.

   I have more than once. If you have an uneasy feeling BEFORE starting....

   Remember, as they interview you, you are interviewing THEM!! :)

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 4,2024 at 12:44AM UTC

   If you are truly not interested in the position, please withdraw. You should not waste your own time that could be spent looking for something that would be a better fit for you and someone else could be interviewing for that role.

   I have no problem hearing that candidates are declining to move forward. I would much rather hear that early in the process rather than later.

7. AnonymousMarch 4,2024 at 2:14PM UTC

   are you sure you’re not allowing bad past experiences to sabotage your future? These people may behave differently than those you’ve worked with at other companies.

8. AnonymousMarch 4,2024 at 2:45PM UTC

   On my last intensive search, I did twice. For one role, I did not realize that they were on the verge of making an offer to me (the process by that point had gone on at least two months) but I had received an offer from another company more in line with what I was looking for. The other, after the first Brady Bunch-style interview, I knew that was not a good fit for me and I can't remember if I withdrew after the first or second interview, but I did. No sense in dragging on the process if I really don't want the job.

9. AnonymousMarch 4,2024 at 5:11PM UTC

   Absolutely! Those who forget that the interview process whether you are a recruit (buyer) or an applicant (seller) is a 2-way street. If you lose sight of this important information you are doomed to make a bad choice when considering a new employer. Always remember to ask about in/out of office rules, out of work hours meetings, how they measure performance and success and what to do if you disagree with how things are being done. If you know up front it makes it easier to assure fit and happiness.

10. AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 5:32AM UTC

    I have withdrawn my candidacy after getting to the final round of interviews. To my surprise I was contacted by the division president two-weeks later asking me to reconsider. So I did and eventually accepted the offer. Now, 2.5 years later I’ve quit for all the reasons I decided to walk away during the interview process. Trust your intuition, it’s always right.

11. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachMarch 5,2024 at 1:06PM UTC

    Why don't you ask them if a 3:30 leave time is okay for you? You can say that is a non-negotiable for you.

12. AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 1:14PM UTC

    I agree. If you are interested in the position, Kimberly, it's worth bringing this in as part of the negotiations when you get an offer. If there's other reasons you aren't as interested as you thought, then it's likely a no. Definitely a situation where it doesn't hurt to try.

13. AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 4:38PM UTC

    Sounds like 3:30 is when kids get picked up, so poster probably needs to leave closer to 3:00 or 3:15, depending on distance from school. And what happens after 3:30 when she’s back home with 3 kids? Sounds like 100% remote with 100% flexibility is what’s needed. If work can get done after kiddos are in bed, fine. But asking co-workers to accommodate your schedule every day (ie not scheduling meetings, for example) is, IMO, not reasonable.

14. AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 1:17PM UTC

    There’s no reason not to withdraw if you don’t think it’s a good fit. However, are you actually sure they would frown upon your need to prioritize your family? Not all employers act the way you’ve experienced in the past. Personally, I’d find a way to bring it up (perhaps suggest a 3:30 leave time as another poster suggested) and gauge their reaction before writing them off.

15. Beverly MolnarMarch 5,2024 at 1:27PM UTC

    I haven’t but I have both interviewed and personally known lots of folks who have removed themselves when they realized the job was not a good fit. There’s no shame in it. Better not to waste anyone’s time.

16. WendyMarch 5,2024 at 1:30PM UTC

    If it is a position you really want then you can ask the recruiter what the working hours are. I have worked a few places where the starting and end times are flexible, no explanation required. I have also stopped interviewing for a position before because I had other prospects I liked more. I just e-mailed the recruiter and told them I was stopping the process.

17. AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 1:31PM UTC

    The only time I have was when the role clearly wasn't the right fit.

    However, I feel like hybrid, etc can be negotiated. My friend was supposed to be hybrid but as the sole caretaker, she negotiated her salary, etc so she would only come in during departmental meetings so once every 4 weeks and other important meetings. Otherwise, she is remote.

    If you like the job, see what they can do. Good luck!

18. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachMarch 5,2024 at 1:47PM UTC

    If you are considering withdrawing because of fear of their reaction to your needs in the hybrid role, then give them a chance. If offered the role, let them know. Can you demonstrate that you will get the job done even if you have to pick up children?

    I've only withdrawn when I saw it was the wrong position for me. If it's them rejecting your terms that you fear, play it out. You never know.

19. Maggie StoneMarch 5,2024 at 2:02PM UTC

    As soon as you know it’s not for you, let them know.

20. Mich.Fr.March 5,2024 at 2:55PM UTC

    Pull out now. No sense in wasting anyone's time.

21. AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 3:33PM UTC

    I have had this happen several times since I have become unemployed since November 2023. My rule of thumb is to pull out once you know the job is not a fit.

    No harm or hard feelings come from realizing that this may not be what you want to do. Recruiters and hiring leaders appreciate knowing sooner rather than later that you are not interested so they can focus on pursuing other candidates.

    Having had to recruit for positions in the past, if someone said they were not interested I thanked them for their time and wished them well. You never know when paths may cross again!

22. AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 3:54PM UTC

    Just yesterday, I abruptly ended an interview/screening on Zoom 20 minutes in. The interviewer was an arrogant jerk and he was throwing a barrage of high-level questions at me that had absolutely nothing to do with the 6-month freelance role I was applying for.

    And guess what, the team contacted me later in the day, apologized, and asked me to continue interviewing with them.

    I'm just at a point in my life where I won't tolerate bullying or unprofessional behavior. Life is precious and short.

    I've also really looked at my non-negotiables in a job, and remote is a game changer. I will not go back to the office except for occasional Meetings. Too many financial and mental benefits!

    Hold onto your non-negotiables or you will regret it. Good luck!

23. Betty StridenMarch 5,2024 at 6:51PM UTC

    I took myself out of the running during the second interview. The director I would be under was arrogant and clueless. The manager as well. It seems like they both signed on to take on a huge new contract/client and had no clue what was needed. I decided to end our 1.5 hour interview at 56 minutes because I just saw this was not the position for me. I'm pretty sure they will repost this position in 6-9 months, when the person they hire quits or burns out. The recruiter immediately reached out by email. I don't think the hiring manager and director even knew what they are looking for. It was disappointing but no use quitting my current job to end up in a worse environment.

24. Tracy DyeMarch 5,2024 at 7:30PM UTC

    I cancelled a first interview today because I can't start a new job right now after all. Made it clear I was still interested in the company.

25. Kimberly FerraroMarch 5,2024 at 7:46PM UTC

    Thank you to everyone for their comments. Didn't realize this post would generate so many! Appreciate everyone's thoughts and perspectives.

    I've made my decision and pulled out. Just wasn't feeling the job and I've realized that for me being "remote" is non-negotiable. Once you've worked remotely and have done so successfully it's almost impossible to go back, except for in-person meetings etc.

    Also, as I look back on the 2nd interview with hiring managers. There was no discussion from them at any time on what exactly I would be doing as a manager. They asked all the typical questions related to my experience and skillset but at no time provided details of the position. That to me was odd and a red flag.

    At the very end of the interview, when they asked me if I had any questions, I immediately asked for details on the projects I would be managing.

    Think I made the right decision for me.

    Wishing everyone luck in their job search.

    Thank you again!!

26. AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 1:35PM UTC

    Since you’re not sure whether you want this job anyway, why not be brutally honest and tell them

    your quandary. Worse that can happen is they decide they don’t want that but you might be surprised and they might be more accommodating than you think.Good luck

27. AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 2:31PM UTC

    I did. I have a job but am looking for something with better hours and closer to home. Like you said, I was halfway into an interview when I realized everything she was saying was worse. I'm only looking as a way to better my life. I did continue the interview as normal, but the next morning I sent a thank you and asked to be removed from consideration. While a part of me wants to know if they want me, I don't want to selfishly waste anyone's time. I am very glad to have had the meeting though as interview experience is always good!

28. AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 2:42PM UTC

    Hi, I literally did this yesterday so you are not alone.

    My thought process was 'even though there is one drawback, if the rest of the opportunity is perfect, then I will consider it.' I quickly found out that there were other drawbacks and I removed myself 1/3 of the way thru the process.
    You made the right decision and you will find something more suitable. Based solely on the way you articulate your situation, it is clear you are someone who is intelligent and thinks things through. That gamble you refer to is less of a gamble for someone like you and most importantly it will also help you maintain a better quality of life. Nice job!

29. Shawn CraigMarch 6,2024 at 5:04PM UTC

    If it's not a fit do yourself and the others involved and just be straightforward. It frees everyone up to focus on the correct things. For you that is the process of finding the correct fit and for the company your interviewing with that is finding the correct candidate.

30. Pamela RosenMarch 6,2024 at 6:23PM UTC

    I cannot express strongly enough how important it is to go with your gut if you have these feelings. No matter how badly you need the job. If you take a job that you know is going to be wrong for you, you're going to hate it and it's not going to end well. And then you'll have another problem on your hands.

    One time, I was desperate for a job. A prominent software company interviewed me. The first woman seemed to really like me and pass me on to her boss. The boss was incredibly rude and condescending and made me feel bad about my own portfolio. She kept turning the pages and saying, "No. Oh, no." I wanted to get up and end the interview right there, but like an idiot, I didn't. I sat there and I took it.

    So imagine my surprise when they offered me the job. I should have turned it down, but I was desperate. The first day, that boss pretended like that interview never happened. Then she put me in an isolated room and gave me a task that would have been impossible for a first-day-on-the-job person to do. When I came in the next day, she fired me. I thought, "what was *that* about?" Then I figured it out. I was a pawn between the first woman who interviewed me and her boss. The person she really wanted to fire was that first woman. She just needed a good reason to do it. So she hired me (the first woman's recommendation) set me up for failure, fired me, and then, within a week, I saw a job posting for that first woman's job.

    Listen to your gut. I went through all of that for no reason.

31. JJMarch 6,2024 at 10:10PM UTC

    I have removed myself from the process during an actual interview. Unless you owe someone a huge favor, there’s no reason to keep going through the process.

32. AnonymousMarch 7,2024 at 2:21AM UTC

    Yes, I have done this. I applied for a role, and thought that I could be hired at the higher end of the salary range. Nope, and it was a salary lower than a job I started at 6 years ago. Couldn't justify it, with having to factor in commuting if I was going to move out of the city like I'm planning to within a year. I just can't understand why $17/hr for an Admin Coordinator is seen as a liveable wage.

33. AnonymousMarch 7,2024 at 4:57PM UTC

    Yes, I have done this. It wasn't worth my time or theirs.

34. Martha CastroMarch 10,2024 at 1:28PM UTC

    Just remove yourself from the interviewing process - I’ve been in your exact situation. If already you are already having anxiety about it, it’s not worth it.

35. AnonymousMarch 10,2024 at 4:06PM UTC

    I've done both. A few months ago I removed myself from the process when I saw the pay was going to be even lower than advertised (remote position, JD did say it might vary because of location). I've also gone through the process and declined offers because sometimes I really did need time to think about it, because I just wasn't feeling it, etc.

    If you know this isn't for you and they won't negotiate on hybrid, it might be best to withdraw. There isn't necessarily harm in going through the process just to see, but you would be investing time/effort and would be wasting their time if you know you don't want this role.

    There is no right or wrong answer, though. I've gone through the entire process knowing I'd say no but I wanted to see what the org was like, if I'd change my mind, if we could negotiate, etc. This didn't happen too often (as I said, waste of time for all) but it does happen, period. Good luck!!

36. AnonymousMarch 10,2024 at 4:31PM UTC

    Unpopular opinion incoming. . .recruiters and hr waste our time all the time. So I say finish the process- for practice purposes. If u get an offer then decline.

37. AnonymousMarch 11,2024 at 3:50PM UTC

    Yes, I did. I had already been through 2 interviews then asked for an assignment. The assignment included questions about my approach to ongoing and future projects. I completed the assignment and sent it back password protected with an email stating I was withdrawing. I did not give a reason, but there is no way I’m doing the work for free just so somebody else can use my ideas. The hiring manager thanked me for my time then asked me for the passcode to get my responses to the assignment. I ghosted her.

38. AnonymousMarch 11,2024 at 8:52PM UTC

    Seriously? You think they were actually going to extend an offer... when they were trying to get free work???? That's just one of the wasted jobs they post then never hire for. Fair is fair.

39. AnonymousMarch 11,2024 at 10:48PM UTC

    This exactly! I'm worried bout improving my own skills. If there was someone on my level or better they'd already b interviewing or they can call them back.