Should I even interview?

[steph96]

I was invited to interview for an awesome position that I applied for. Yesterday I found out that my coworker, let's call her Amy, applied for the job too. Amy used to work for the hiring manager (HM) when they were in a different department and they are BFFs who hang out outside of work all the time. HM got the HM position about a year ago. For the entire year, HM has been begging Amy to come work with her. Amy hasn't applied because all of the positions would have been lateral moves. Amy loves her current job and only would leave for a promotion. This job would be a promotion. Due to state budget cuts, I don't think Amy's current job would be able to offer her a promotion in order to keep her. Amy interviewed yesterday and today they called me to ask if we could push up my interview date.

So knowing all of that, would you still interview? I'm going to have to miss work to go and since I just finished my CPA stuff, my manager already suspects that I'm interviewing.

[IrishBelle]

Ditto sexycarrot

You never know what the outcome will be and at the very least, you will gain some pratice.

Good luck!

[SJ]

Absolutely.

[konapoppy]

Yes! The practice is good. And who knows, it might work out! Every time I had to interview I wanted to back out, but every time it was worth it

[steamboat185]

Always interview! You never know what might happen.

[compassrose]

Ditto the others. Plus, even if HM hires Amy on this one, if she likes you, she may keep you in mind for other positions in the future. So go in with the mindset that you are interviewing for this position AND a future one.

[bexporter]

Of course!

[womet]

Absolutely!!

[raangoli]

Absolutely! Good luck!

[steph96]

Thanks everyone. I called her back to reschedule my appointment for an earlier date.

I just feel so discouraged knowing that it's highly unlikely that I get the position. I think it's even worse knowing that my years of experience, qualifications, level of knowledge, and work ethic are better than Amy's. I'm just going to try to convince myself that I have a chance. They listed a level 3 and a level 4 but they are only filling one of them. The lady that's leaving is a level 4, but the level 4's hardly get any applicants because of the specific requirements. Amy applied for level 3. I applied for level 4 (I'm 3 now). Once you downgrade a position, it's hard to get it back. Surely they won't want to lose a level 4 just so a friend can work there. Right? But at the same time, budget cuts are happening and the level 4 makes 7-12k more than the level 3. Ugh.

[Deleted]

Yes and don't assume you're out yet. Good luck!

[Deleted]

Maybe Amy shit her pants in the interview. You really never know.

[steph96]

May 6, 2016 13:21:57 GMT -5 @angryharpy said:

Maybe Amy shit her pants in the interview. You really never know.

LOL!!!!

[drloretta]

Yes, especially since she only applied for a Level 3

[sunshineluv]

May 6, 2016 12:43:22 GMT -5 steph96 said:

Thanks everyone. I called her back to reschedule my appointment for an earlier date.

I just feel so discouraged knowing that it's highly unlikely that I get the position. I think it's even worse knowing that my years of experience, qualifications, level of knowledge, and work ethic are better than Amy's. I'm just going to try to convince myself that I have a chance. They listed a level 3 and a level 4 but they are only filling one of them. The lady that's leaving is a level 4, but the level 4's hardly get any applicants because of the specific requirements. Amy applied for level 3. I applied for level 4 (I'm 3 now). Once you downgrade a position, it's hard to get it back. Surely they won't want to lose a level 4 just so a friend can work there. Right? But at the same time, budget cuts are happening and the level 4 makes 7-12k more than the level 3. Ugh.

The HM doesn't always get to pick the person they want bc of friendship. There are typically other people who have to approve the hiring decision (and those people may rely more heavily on credentials). Do not give up all hope.

[aurora]

I'm glad you're going for it. Good luck!

[sparkythelawyer]

They've asked you twice to interview for the position. GO INTERVIEW FOR THE POSITION.

[steph96]

May 6, 2016 14:28:08 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

They've asked you twice to interview for the position. GO INTERVIEW FOR THE POSITION.

But would they honestly call and cancel my interview? I know I'm being really negative about this situation, but I took it as "hey can you come in sooner so we can meet our interview quota and offer Amy the job ASAP?"

[laurensmomma]

I totally get how you're feeling. Knowing what I know about interviewing/job offers, I think you're probably right, but you won't know for sure unless you interview. Good luck!!! Hopefully they pick the best person for the job (you, duh!) rather than pick a friend for the job.

[sparkythelawyer]

May 6, 2016 14:42:06 GMT -5 steph96 said:

May 6, 2016 14:28:08 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

They've asked you twice to interview for the position. GO INTERVIEW FOR THE POSITION.

But would they honestly call and cancel my interview? I know I'm being really negative about this situation, but I took it as "hey can you come in sooner so we can meet our interview quota and offer Amy the job ASAP?"

Maybe.  But if they do, so the fuck what?  They invited you, they want to meet with you, they want to meet with you sooner.  They want to know about you and why you think you can do the job.  So show them.  The worst thing that happens is you don't get this one.  You'll have still put yourself out there in a way that you desperately need to do. 

[steph96]

May 6, 2016 14:53:46 GMT -5 sexycarrot said:

steph96. I really, really like you and know you have been in a terrible working environment for a long time, so I say this with (tough) love. You are way overthinking this and giving it too much energy.

What you know to be true right NOW is that you have been invited for an interview. So, you go on that interview, and you rock that interview. It may also be true that it's a quota interview. Or it may also be true that they would rather keep it at a 4 than a 3. Or there may be something else completely going on.

But take this energy you are putting into the "what ifs" and use it to prep for a killer interview. Focus on what you can control, which is putting your head down, doing your job, and applying for others. You are a freakin' CPA now! You know you are awesome! Your time is going to come.

So, for now, breath. and ask yourself what you can control here. and let the rest go.

(and believe me, I know that's SO hard, but don't psyche yourself out!)

I really needed to read that. Thank you.

[ECB]

Of course.

[msmerymac]

May 6, 2016 14:42:06 GMT -5 steph96 said:

May 6, 2016 14:28:08 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

They've asked you twice to interview for the position. GO INTERVIEW FOR THE POSITION.

But would they honestly call and cancel my interview? I know I'm being really negative about this situation, but I took it as "hey can you come in sooner so we can meet our interview quota and offer Amy the job ASAP?"

I read it as them wanting to make a decision ASAP, and since you look like another awesome candidate, they really want to get you in, too.

[Balki.Bartokomous]

May 6, 2016 22:33:00 GMT -5 msmerymac said:

May 6, 2016 14:42:06 GMT -5 steph96 said:

But would they honestly call and cancel my interview? I know I'm being really negative about this situation, but I took it as "hey can you come in sooner so we can meet our interview quota and offer Amy the job ASAP?"

I read it as them wanting to make a decision ASAP, and since you look like another awesome candidate, they really want to get you in, too.

This is how I took it as well. Good luck!

[carrotsmakemefat]

Just go!