Question about an interview e-mail...

[ShroudStar]

Hi. Right now, I'm in the process of searching for a job as a graphic designer, and I just got an e-mail from the human resources department of a particular company that I applied to a month before. I had accepted the chance at an interview, and gave the contact the go-ahead to schedule it. However, she hasn't gotten it yet because I gave the reply over the weekend.

This is where it gets sticky. I just did a dry run to the place with my folks (because I've never driven outside of a certain radius from my hometown), and the place looks somewhat shady. So with that in mind, I'm thinking about writing another e-mail to delicately cancel the interview and forego that job opportunity.

How do I proceed? Do I state that "On second thought, yada yada..." (decided to get a job closer to home), and "Thank you for your consideration and time?" How do I break this without sounding offensive?

[tensai]

i think it would be really smart to take the interview. looks can be decieving, i would hardly think a shady place inhibiting the ability to make really cool work. a really boring looking office might be the place where a lot of radical new stuff is being thought up. or really boring. use the interview to find out.

you already have the interview and you will be able to get a much better impression of what it is like overthere if you go and talk with them. you must have liked their work some, otherwise you wouldnt have applied right?

moreover, right now, you dont really think you want this job right? that will put the pressure off of things and you might give the best interview you ever gave. if it does turn out to be an uninteresting place to work, you at least had a good practice run for that stellar looking place you might apply to later on.

[ShroudStar]

That was what I was thinking of as well, but I think what has my folks dead-set against it was that the location looked 'unsafe' for a female if she were to work flexible hours which could extend into the night. Also, I've never seen the company's work - I applied for it through a job search site like Monster, and they didn't even have a website for me to read up on.

So if that's the case, how should I professionally 'depart' without leaving a bad mark behind?

[Pixeldragoon]

Not being sarcastic here; Martial arts lessons or a can of Pepperfoam/spray. Even, if it's bad enough, a concealed weapon.

[nephilim]

yeah really, bring a knife. or a boxcutter. how far is it from your parents house? have them drive you if they think its unsafe.


mike

[Infinitum]

Trust your instincts.

You have been there and seen the place only you can judge if it is safe or not.

And I have to say here that even the best martial artists can still get jumped and pepper spray or a knife are only any good if you get them out in time.
But also what happens if the attacker is faster than you and gets the knife off you, what do you do then.

And even if the place is fine and everyone there is good and nice, would you feel comfortable working there.

[Dirge]

I agree, it might be worth giving a shot (hopefully not literally).

But if you do decide to cancel the interview, something as simple as "I greatly appreciate your consideration but I've decided to persue other possibilities" is sufficient. Just keep it short, honestly it's none of their business why you don't want the position anymore.

[DragonTU84]

I too would say go for the Interview. Last summer I had to work at a job from 4 pm until well past midnight, and at first my parents were skeptical about me working the night shift, but I assured them that parking was next to the office and that the area was pretty safe. My parents were still a little nervous about it, but they went along with it. I must say that now I am thankful that I worked the night. Once I switched to the day shift it just wasn't as much fun as the night shift!

Anyway, I know you prob. won't have to work the night shift, yet just go by your instincts; I did and it went fine for me! :) After going to the interview if you feel that this isn't the job or location for you, then look elsewhere, yet if the area and the job feels right for you, then go for it!

Good luck, and let me know how it all goes!

~Crystal