Sometimes, your next big career move can come up unexpectedly. Whether a recruiter has reached out to you directly, or if a friend or coworker referred you for a position, an offer of an interview is great news. Even if you’re not necessarily looking for a new job, this is why you should take the interview.
The Job Might Surprise You
The fact is that you never really know when an opportunity comes knocking. Even if you are signed up to interview for a job that you didn’t think would be the right fit, it’s worth showing up and giving your best effort because it might turn out to be a real opportunity. The fact is that job descriptions are rarely a perfect description of the job. Interviews are a great chance to learn more about a company and a role and decide for yourself. Sometimes that “boring” job might turn into something amazing. You’ll never know until you ask.
Get In Some Low-Risk Practice
When people say that practice makes perfect, they aren’t kidding. Even if you find yourself feeling awkward when engaging others in small talk, or even uninterested in the job on the table, the more opportunities you have to practice in low-pressure situations, the more likely you will be to succeed in high-pressure scenarios. Practice interviewing every chance you get. Real interviews that are “low risk” are still amazing opportunities to brush off your talking points and get out there to build confidence and refine your approach.
Get Insider Info
One of the biggest hidden benefits of taking a job interview is simply the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about a new company. Even if the job you are interviewing for isn’t quite the right fit, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other openings that are better suited for you. It doesn’t mean that your dream job won’t open up down the line. Think about each interview as an opportunity to hone in on what hiring managers are looking for. Paying attention to the specific questions the interviewer is asking about your background and the skills she’s most interested in will give you a good sense of how to shine in future interviews. Sitting in the chair and participating in an interview provides a wealth of valuable information that there simply is no other way to get.
Build Your Network
Don’t overlook the networking opportunities in an interview, either. Connecting on social networking sites like LinkedIn can connect you to an even wider net of professionals that could be helpful in your job search now or down the line. Even if it’s not your dream job, put your best foot forward and try your best. Because you never know what that first interview might lead to down the line. And the impression you make in an interview can be a lasting one.
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