Question: I am a finalist for a job that I don’t want. I interviewed with six people, and the more I learn about the job, the more certain I am that it’s not for me. How do I get out of this process?
Answer: It sounds like you have discovered the “real” job behind the advertised job description. Good for you! You must have asked good questions during the interview process and you are now at a critical decision point. Before you exit from the process, you need to be absolutely clear on your answer to the following question:
- If offered the job, will you say “no”?
If so, be guided by addressing the following questions:
- Are you able to clearly communicate why you allowed the interview process to continue to the finalist stage?
- Why didn’t you pull out of the process earlier?
- Did you feel “pressure” to apply for this position? If yes, from whom? Why?
- What specifically makes you conclude that this is not the job for you?
- Will the group/department/hiring managers be surprised that you don’t want the job? Or have you shared your concerns throughout the interview process?
Some people apply for opportunities so that they can increase their visibility with senior management. Interviewing for a position that you don’t want or staying in the race until offered and then declining can be dicey way to advance your career. That makes these last questions very important:
- Have you shared your concerns/questions about the suitability of the job during the interview process?
- Does the hiring manager know that you don’t want the job? Have you been clear/transparent?
- Have you created “good will” with each of the people who interviewed you? Do they like you?
Now is the time to reach out to your mentor or senior sponsor and seek their guidance—and air cover—so that you navigate the corporate culture adeptly. Your goal is to leverage the good will, visibility and insights you gained through the interview process so that you move your career forward.