I am in the job market with immediate availability and had quite a few interviews the past week, including two I had today.

9 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 16,2022 at 5:41PM UTC

   I have withdrawn my candidacy from a position before after the first interview because I felt like the job description didn't match exactly what was being said in the interview and it didn't feel like a good fit.

   I was very open with the Interviewer about this after the fact as to why I wouldn't accept a second interview but I felt comfortable with the people. I would just let them know you would like to withdraw your candidacy and leave it at that.

2. Julie HumbirdMay 16,2022 at 6:15PM UTC

   I would withdraw if this is someone you would have to work with. I had an interview this year where the VP kept cutting me off, she went WAY over on time and made odd comments about how direct she is and how it doesn't mean anything negative. I would be reporting to her. Then she said my next step is to complete a writing exercise convincing them to hire me (I'm technical). I never sent this assignment and when the recruiter tried to schedule the next interview, I declined.

3. AnonymousMay 16,2022 at 6:37PM UTC

   Yip.
   This is someone I’d directly report to. They say, in an interview you should stand out by making them see feel and hear you uniquely from the rest. Unfortunately, in this case I left with a bad taste in my mouth. Imagine how it would be on the job?

4. AnonymousMay 16,2022 at 6:25PM UTC

   I agree with the statements below. Trust your gut instincts and if you decide to, let them know why. Providing the feedback to the company may be just as important for them / the next candidate as it is for your personal sanity. Good luck!

5. AnonymousMay 16,2022 at 6:33PM UTC

   Be smart about the fit and the job itself.

   Chances are you aren't a fit anyway so I wouldn't worry too much.

   I would not spread myself too thin on the interviews and conserve your energy and passion. If you try and tackle too much you will not have what it takes to really own those interviews that you need to go well.

6. Anne KrookMay 17,2022 at 4:50PM UTC

   Don't bother withdrawing your candidacy. You never know when they may decide you are a better fit in another department with people you might actually like. if they don't hire you, no bigggie

7. AnonymousMay 17,2022 at 7:57PM UTC

   Don't ignore the signs.

8. Gigi DevanneyMay 18,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

   I have withdrawn my candidacy after an interview with one of the partners... he was clearly not a marketing person, but kept asking questions in "marketing speak" and didn't listen to my answers. He asked how I would improve their stats at various points in the pipeline and I replied that I couldn't really answer that without knowing how they were doing things now. I told him the KPIs I would have to look at and only then could I make recommendations for changes.

   He clearly didn't understand the process and wanted me to dazzle him with meaningless marketing jargon.

   This and for several other reasons (I asked about budget and was told, that you would get whatever you need !!!) told me to run, not walk away from this company.

   After the interview, I emailed the recruiter and withdrew myself from the process.

   Interestingly enough, several months later, a different recruiter contacted me about the same position... I respectfully declined.

9. AnonymousMay 18,2022 at 6:06PM UTC

   Thanks for sharing Gigi. Few key insights not to be ignored indeed.