Can You Really Get Up and Leave an Interview Before it's Over?

Nancy Anderson
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There are times when you know that a job won't work out based on your experience at the interview. However, many people choose to stick through the interview process right to the end, even when it's clear they wouldn't accept the job even if it was offered to them. In this case, it's perfectly okay to leave the interview early.

A classic example is when a company is so disorganized that you can see any job would be frustrating. While problems sometimes occur at even the best-run companies, a late interview, a rude interviewer and a seeming lack of organization in general can point toward serious problems within the company, particularly when the person interviewing you is going to be your boss.

Similarly, you might find that the job description has changed dramatically, and you do not feel confident you can take it on successfully. In some cases, you might actually be applying for a completely different job than the one listed.

In most cases, once you make up your mind that you don't want to accept the job, there's no need to stick around any further, as your time is valuable. However, it's essential that you're polite as you leave the interview. At the next opportunity or break in discussion, apologize and state that you don't think you're a good fit for the job. Thank the interviewer for his time, and leave. You don't have to offer much more explanation than this; after all, the company is not paying you for your interview experience. What you are actually doing is focusing on you. It shouldn't be a hostile act, either, even if the interviewer has been hostile. Keep smiling, and cross that company off your list.

You may find it is sometimes worth holding out for the entire interview, particularly in larger companies. If you leave the interview early, you could reduce the chance of being hired by that company in the future; there may be other jobs within the company that you are more capable of taking on successfully. In addition, interview experience is valuable, so carefully weigh the pros and cons of whether you should leave the interview early.

If you are sent by an agency recruiter, it's also worth giving immediate feedback as to why you decided to leave the interview early. For example, a delay in starting the interview process, disorganization or rudeness are all reasons for an agency to rethink whether it wishes to continue recruiting for that company, particularly for higher-paying positions.

When you leave the interview early, you're making a decision to focus your time and energy on something else. It's a strategic move that should only be done when you are positive you cannot accept the job due to the employer's behavior or attitude during the interview process, or if the job is substantially different than the original job posting.


Photo courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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