In-House Counsel

Why You Should Say 'Yes' To That Interview

Carefully consider the pros and cons of the opportunity before ruling it out as an outright 'no.'

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If you’re in aggressive job search mode, you may find yourself applying to dozens of jobs on a weekly basis — from dream jobs to target jobs, and even those positions of “little interest.” But what happens when you get called to interview for that position you aren’t excited about? You may be wavering between giving the company or firm a hard pass versus taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend the interview. In this week’s column, I explain why it’s still a good idea to go on the interview, even if you’re initially reluctant about the position or working at the firm or company.

I recommend thinking of every interview as an opportunity to refine your own interviewing skills and take control of your job search. If you haven’t job searched in a long time (5 years or more), your interview skills may be a little rusty. Interviewing is a practice-makes-perfect type of skill. Even if you can anticipate questions, being in the interview setting and answering the questions on the spot can prove to be difficult for some.

Comparatively, interviewing is a lot like dating. During my single years (which extended into my mid-30s), I went out on many dates that I was excited about, only to be let down by the end of the evening, for various reasons. Sometimes, the phone conversation before the date was a lot more interesting than the conversation on the actual date. Other times, I realized after a few hours together, there just wasn’t a connection. In retrospect, it allowed me to understand what I was looking for in a long-term partner.

Similarly, attending multiple interviews enables you to get insight into the inner workings of the company and allows you to make long-term decisions for your own career. Sometimes that position of “little interest” can be the right fit for you — but you won’t know until you attend the interview and carefully analyze it. The benefits of attending that interview often outweigh the reasons to turn it down. You can test the waters with your list of questions for the interviewer, you can learn what you like and don’t like about companies (and their management), and you can get increasingly closer to the right opportunity. Further, each interview will give you better insight into what you’re looking for and what career path or opportunity will match your needs. While that position may not pan out, you may make a great contact at the company or firm that you can add to your Rolodex on LinkedIn, and you may even consider using the interview as practice for job offer negotiations.

It’s important to embark on the interview process with an open mind. Take your time. Ask questions and allow yourself to enjoy the experience of interviewing with multiple companies or firms. Write down lists of your nonnegotiables and carefully consider the pros and cons of the opportunity before ruling it out as an outright “no.” Interviews are a great learning experience, professionally and personally. That position may also be a terrific stepping stone to get you to where you want to be in five, 10, or 15 years.

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Wendi Weiner is an attorney, career expert, and founder of The Writing Guru, an award-winning executive resume writing services company. Wendi creates powerful career and personal brands for attorneys, executives, and C-suite/Board leaders for their job search and digital footprint. She also writes for major publications about alternative careers for lawyers, personal branding, LinkedIn storytelling, career strategy, and the job search process. You can reach her by email at wendi@writingguru.net, connect with her on LinkedIn, and follow her on Twitter @thewritingguru.  

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