Is it bad to go into a job interview not knowing if you're going to take the job or not?

Question

I'm in a position where I have a job that is tolerable but could be better, and right now I am basically exploring my options. I scheduled a job interview, and am planning just to be honest about my situation. I am and I think I come across as very polite and professional, but do you think I could possibly come across as arrogant???

Answer 1

Just don't mention it. If they ask you about your current job say that you have already quit and if they offer it to you and you don't want it just say that your situation has changed and you can't take the job.

Answer 2

No. it is not bad. just tell them your situation, because it would be bad if they really wanted to hire you and then you turned it down. just tell them you would like to know about the open position. and no you definatley wont sound arrodant at all. i am sure lots of people do that.

Answer 3

Keep in mind that this interview is not only them asking you questions.  It's also you asking them questions.  I recently had the exact same situation.  I called a school that was hiring and I told them I wasn't happy at my current job.  I asked if they could use a guy with my qualifications.  The administrator said to come in and we would talk about it.  Pretty much, the interview was to see if I was right for them, and if they were right for me.  At the end of the interview we both agreed that we would both benefit from a working relationship and I start my new job on the 18th.  

In your interview I would tell them your situation.  Tell them that if they would like to hire you, you would like to give the standard 2 weeks notice to your other job and you can start after that.  To be honest, polite and courteous is also being professional.  Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Answer 4

You should be honest about your situation in that you don't want your prospective employer contacting your current employer.

A job interview shouldn't be a one-way street.  You are there trying to figure out if the job and your potential new bosses are ones you wish to work with.  They are trying to figure out if you are their next employee.

So, no, it is not bad to go to a job interview not knowing whether you will accept the position if it is offered to you.

Answer 5

I don't think you would come across as arrogant, but you may annoy someone--they could get the impression that you don't know what you want and that you are wasting their time.

Answer 6

I wouldn't even mention it to be honest. It's none of their business and an interview no-no. If they ask why you are interested in the position, say what you like about the position being offered that you hope it would give you an chance to grow as a professional. Outright saying "Hey I don't know if I want this job" no matter how politely put, comes across as arrogant and wasting the interviewer's time.