UPDATED: Career Advice - asked to interview

[stretchad]

I am 3 years in to working for a well respected company. Job here is okay, but it's a bit of a slog at times, especially as we're getting into key season (which lasts from about august thru March). I am not actively looking for a new job, but I have begun thinking about my next move within this company...there are a few other types of roles that I think I'm interested in here. But I probably wouldn't move to a new role for another 10-12 months, at this point I'm just networking. 

I was just asked to interview for an interesting sounding role at a company here in my city that recently had a very unfavorable NY Times article written about them (I am sure many of you might have read it or heard about it, or use this company's services). I would like to learn a little more about the role, and the company, but I don't know how serious I am about actually leaving my current company.


What's the guidance you'd give? Have the conversation? Or tell them to keep in touch? 

[gt7301b]

Interview, it can't hurt. You can always turn down an offer if it isn't a good fit.

[raangoli]

Did that unfavorable article negatively impact the company's business? Are you at all worried about their viability moving forward?

I'd still interview. But I'd be open and say that I am not actively pursuing a new opportunity/passively looking for a new position but that I was intrigued by the role and the opportunities it may present.

[bunnysmom]

I'd go to the interview to make a judgement about the company by myself. When you go to interviews you can get a lot of information on the company, not only by what they tell you but also by watching the culture there. There are companies that have a great reputation but when you are there to interview the people there are rude or they seem exhausted and frustrated, etc.. You can get a lot of knowledge from all of this.

Good luck!

[Deleted]

Interview. Never turn down an opportunity to build your network.

[monsterz]

Have the conversation. I know other people that work there and are quite happy, I think part of it depends on which team you are on. Tagging niq as I believe he previously worked at said company.

[niq]

Oct 9, 2015 13:52:41 GMT -5 monsterz said:

Have the conversation. I know other people that work there and are quite happy, I think part of it depends on which team you are on. Tagging niq as I believe he previously worked at said company.

What she said. At any large company, the difference in stress/QoL is going to vary widely depending on where you are, who your boss is, etc. But at the place stretchad is talking about, the variance is huge. I would have the interview, I am sure everyone has an official answer they're supposed to give in response to the NYT article at this point.

OP, are you in HR? Did I make that up? My SIL is actually in HR there so if you want to talk to her about it maybe I can put you two in touch. 

[stretchad]

Oct 9, 2015 13:56:09 GMT -5 niq said:

Oct 9, 2015 13:52:41 GMT -5 monsterz said:

Have the conversation. I know other people that work there and are quite happy, I think part of it depends on which team you are on. Tagging niq as I believe he previously worked at said company.

What she said. At any large company, the difference in stress/QoL is going to vary widely depending on where you are, who your boss is, etc. But at the place stretchad is talking about, the variance is huge. I would have the interview, I am sure everyone has an official answer they're supposed to give in response to the NYT article at this point.

OP, are you in HR? Did I make that up? My SIL is actually in HR there so if you want to talk to her about it maybe I can put you two in touch. 

I'm in Marketing. I know a couple people there in mktg whom I may reach out to, but there are SO many types of roles that they could be vastly different teams.

[drloretta]

There is no commitment involved in interviewing. And the networking opportunities could be huge.

[vanillacourage]

Frankly, I've always found myself in a stronger position as a candidate when they seek me out and know I'm not in an "official" job search. It's happened a couple times lately, and I've met with them informally to get more information. When the salary topic comes up, I have no compunction about naming a high range, because I've been able to say honestly that the figure is derived from what it would take to get me to leave my current role. 

Good luck!

[stretchad]

Thanks everyone. I've responded back to do the phone interview. We shall see how far it goes, and if need be I'll reach out to my contacts who might have a POV on company culture and this specific team/department.

[stretchad]

QUICK UPDATE:
Interviewed last Friday afternoon. Monday AM got asked to do another phone interview, so I've got the 2nd one this Friday. The role still sounds fairly interesting, but I am starting to think that it'd take a lot to get me to leave my current company...but will continue to interview for networking purposes!