Whether you’re looking for a job or not, there may be times when a company you’re less than enthusiastic about invites you to interview. Sometimes it’s unsolicited and other times it’s in response to an application you only half-heartedly submitted.
In either case, you might be tempted to decline or ignore the invitation. After all, why waste time with a company you’re not interested in, right?
Well, not always. There’s a lot to be gained by going on job interviews, even if you’re not necessarily interested in getting the job. Here’s why:
Practice, Practice, Practice
Like most everything else in life, interviewing for a job is a skill that improves with practice. It’s sort of like making pancakes. The first ones are always misshaped, burnt at the edges and undercooked in the middle. But once you get the hang of it, your pancakes are round, golden brown and perfectly delicious.
Gain Insight
If you just sit tight until the perfect opportunity arises, you could miss out on some valuable information. Going on job interviews helps you gain insight into the particular skills and experience employers in your industry are seeking. It helps you get a sense of what options are available to you and provides a view of different work place cultures. It gives you perspective and helps you realize what you’re looking for in terms of career goals. When you’re finally offered a job, you have something to compare it to.
Build Your Network
The more people you know, the better off you are in your job search. Even if nothing materializes from a job interview, use it as an opportunity to meet people in the industry and establish a connection at the company. Although this particular position may not interest you, another more desirable job may eventually become available at the same place.
Cultivate Interest
If no one else finds you interesting, you must not be that interesting. At least that’s what employers think. And it’s not unusual for them to ask if you’re interviewing anywhere else. Even if they don’t ask, it boosts your confidence just to know that other companies are interested. And this ultimately makes you a more appealing job candidate.
You Never Know
We’ve all heard stories about people who initially dismiss someone as a romantic interest based on their looks alone, only to find themselves smitten once they’ve gotten to know them. Jobs are a lot like relationships. Sometimes the best ones arise when you least expect it. Therefore, it’s good to keep all your possibilities open. Because it takes time and experience to tell whether you’re kissing a frog or a prince.
