Unique situation ... Potential interview

Guesswork

Hi all

Just looking for advice

I'm in a position where i have been headhunted by a recruiter for an upcoming position in a new company that suits my experience and skillset.

The position is 55% more than my current salary (huge I know)

It is a niche role.

Now the problem is I have found out who the other candidate is I'm up against as we previously worked together and even held the same position at a point in time.

I know personally this person blows me out of the water (more years experience,degree in the area, more in-depth knowledge for our processes etc and also has international experience) which I simply cannot compete with. Just a fact.

I do have absolutle confidence in my ability in this situation the fact is I'm not as qualified.

She is very good in fairness and I do look up to her.

I don't even want to go to interview because I'm thinking what's the point and need a polite way of revoking my interest to the recruiter

I know some people will say give it a go anywau etc but I know I've no hope against this person in particular.

Just bad luck she is also interviewing.

Any advice tips ?

I had a notion asking would there be a junior role but had second thoughts as I'm selling myself short and she wants me for this role.

What would you do ?

lawred2

Go for it.

It's possible that they mightn't click personally and she gets ruled out.

amcalester

Go and you might get the role.

Don't go and you definitely won't.

Staplor

Do the interview, it all comes down to the day and what is said. The other person may be sick, have a cold, not turn up, have an off day. Then again they could interview and score 98% and you score 99% on the day, go for it, it's too much not to.

tara83

Interview - put your best foot forward. You were called for interview as they thought you had some if not all of the required skills and experience. Often at this stage it boils down to fit for the company and personality. You may be more suited for these.

Other candidate may not actually want the role or you never know what will come up in the future.

You’ve nothing to loose, try put the other candidates out of your mind

Mezcita

To be honest, you are underselling yourself.

Both of you have been approached because they think that either of you could potentially do the job. The fact that your competition looks better on paper is not the main thing to keep in mind. For all you know she has circumstances which would prevent her from accepting the role. Maybe she would ask for a higher salary which is beyond their budget. Or maybe she might just do a really bad interview and not come across well to the person who would be managing her. Lots of variables. But basically it's always good to put yourself through the process of a formal interview every few years.

I wouldn't mention your competition if you do decide to proceed. Just do your best and see how it pans out.

JustMe,K

Why would you have so little faith in yourself? Its possible the other person could be too skilled in the area and be deemed not a good fit by the employer.

The fact you even posted this shows that you are interested in the role. I would absolutely go for it.

Wheety

What if she pulls out too?

lawred2

When we hire here we often say that we want the star on the way up as opposed to the way down..

maxwell smart

As above, go for it. They haven't called you in to make up the numbers, people don't waste time like that.

I remember we interviewed here for a senior role and it was down to the last two. On paper one was much stronger than the other, but the less qualified gave a great second interview to get to the validation stage.

At validation there was nothing to separate them apart from the less qualified person giving the impression that they wanted to job more. They got it. And it was the right decision

thejaguar

Go for it.

The absolute worst case scenario still results in valuable interview experience.

dennyk

Go for the interview anyway. Worst that can happen is you don't get the position, so no different than backing out now. However, it's possible your colleague might not end up being the right fit, or might want too much money, or might decide they aren't interested in the position themselves for some reason. And even if they do go with her instead, if you gave a good interview and made a positive impression, the company will remember that and will probably be more likely to consider you should another position open up in the future; it never hurts to make more connections in your industry.

heretothere

As everyone else has said go for the interview! You really have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.

They may prefer you, you might be a 'better fit' for the office. She might take a different job just so many possibilities.

Sabre0001

Everyone else has summed it up well - give it a go, you never know what'll happen on the day and they obviously saw something that was worth finding out more about. And at the very least, it's interview experience which could come in handy down the line (perhaps even within this company if it is just a matter of you getting a bit more qualified!)

OMM 0000

I don't always hire the most qualified person.

I place a large emphasis on "do I like this person" and "will this person fit into our team".

Go for it.

SozBbz

I actually cannot understand your thought process here. Talk about self sabotage.

1. If you didnt know who you were up against, would you still go? Very few roles are filled without interviewing more than one person. In this case you happen to know, but so what?
2. Interviewing is a skill. Personally I go for an interview at least once a year even if I've no real intention of moving. Being accustomed to interviewing will only stand to you. You should do it for the practice if nothing else.
3. As others have said, you don't know what the hiring manager is looking for. Maybe the want someone who can grow into the role. You also don't know this other womans personal circumstances. She may not want/take the role ultimately. Why would you rule yourself out?
4. If you're not in, you 100% cannot win.

You'd really want to examine your outlook - you'll never get ahead otherwise. Why are you so afraid of losing? Will you only put yourself forward for things that are a dead cert? If so, thats very limiting.

skallywag

I would most definitely go for it, nothing negative can come out of it and the experience if nothing else will stand to you. Who is to say there is not even a 3rd candidate who blows you both out of the water, etc.

Never over think the other candidates, as the selection criteria can often be very different from what you expect.

bobbysands81

Guesswork wrote: »

Hi all

Just looking for advice

I'm in a position where i have been headhunted by a recruiter for an upcoming position in a new company that suits my experience and skillset.

The position is 55% more than my current salary (huge I know)

It is a niche role.

Now the problem is I have found out who the other candidate is I'm up against as we previously worked together and even held the same position at a point in time.

I know personally this person blows me out of the water (more years experience,degree in the area, more in-depth knowledge for our processes etc and also has international experience) which I simply cannot compete with. Just a fact.

I do have absolutle confidence in my ability in this situation the fact is I'm not as qualified.

She is very good in fairness and I do look up to her.

I don't even want to go to interview because I'm thinking what's the point and need a polite way of revoking my interest to the recruiter

I know some people will say give it a go anywau etc but I know I've no hope against this person in particular.

Just bad luck she is also interviewing.

Any advice tips ?

I had a notion asking would there be a junior role but had second thoughts as I'm selling myself short and she wants me for this role.

What would you do ?

A bit of anxiety and even resistance is normal in such a situation.

If you really wanted to pull out you would have done so without even posting this question here. Feeling anxious is completely normal.

Remember, you’ve been head hunted... they see you as a very strong candidate.

Your worst case scenario is you don’t get the job and you’re in exactly the same position you’re currently in. Your best case scenario is you get the job. You actually have nothing to lose, you must go for it.

cannotlogin

Having read everything you have said about both of you, I would still want to interview you both on the basis you both have the ability to do the role.

I've come out on top in the past at past at interview ahead of people who appeared more the better option on paper. In one case, my boss pushed for me to apply for a position that I hadn't considered because of the competition. At the time, I was told the fact I appeared for open to driving change within the role that made the difference.

You never know but I wouldn't give up without giving it a chance.

qwerty13

Without knowing all of the details, it’s impossible to know who will come out on top.

But your attitude towards not bothering in the face of some perceived adversity - which you don’t even know is true - makes you an unattractive candidate. I believe that you really need to examine why you feel this way. This attitude is going hold you back unless you fix it.

Bandana boy

Of course go to the interview
Your former colleague might blow the interview , price themselves out of contention , turn down the role for a number of reasons , the only certain thing is you will not get the role if you no show the interview