He canceled interview, then had a change of heart -- and wants a second chance

Q: I messed up last month and canceled an interview for a job because I didn't like the commute. (Traffic is the pits.) Now I've done some homework about the firm. I've learned that the work they do is right up my alley, and I've had a change of heart about the location. I honestly feel that the trade-off of a satisfying and challenging job would more than make up for the bad traffic.

I feel so stupid. I should have gone to the interview, because I still would have had the option to reject an offer if the distance really bothered me. Now I want to call the manager back and try to salvage this if possible. When he originally got my resume, the manager was pretty persistent about meeting me and seemed disappointed when I canceled.

A friend of mine said I should just be honest. But how can I avoid coming across as indecisive? I'm interested in making a commitment. How can I convey this and get an interview again?

NICK'S REPLY: I agree with your friend. Be honest about what happened. But don't be too apologetic or overly defensive. That would make you appear weak and indecisive. It's critical that you speak with the manager directly, not with the personnel office. Here's what you might say:

"After we spoke last, I kept thinking about the distance issue. When I consider all the firms I could work with, yours is the one that motivates me the most. Your business most clearly matches my expertise and my interests. It's well worth a drive to work with the right people. What I'm saying is that I'd like to meet you, if you're still interested in talking. I realize the job may no longer be available, but I'd still like to make your acquaintance, if you can deal with the bit of egg that's on my face."

Those last few words reveal a generous level of humility without embarrassing you. State your case, and then let the manager decide.

THE HEADHUNTER TIP:

Get past the credentials.

Many companies will not interview you unless your credentials match the job. But there's a simple way to deal with this overemphasis on credentials. Turn the tables. Call the hiring manager and ask what problem or challenge the manager would want the new hire to handle. Then, show how you'd tackle it successfully. Offer to do this demonstration with other challenges that would be part of the job. "I don't have the one credential you want, but I do have the skills and ability to do the work. If I can't prove this to you in a 20-minute meeting, I will shake your hand and leave with no hard feelings. But I believe I can do the work." Of course, you must be able to deliver. This requires lots of homework. If you're not ready to do the work in advance, then don't apply for the job.

Copyright 2009. Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate

Nick Corcodilos is author of "Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job" and the host of www.asktheheadhunter.com. He can be reached by e-mail at seattle@asktheheadhunter.com or at North Bridge Group, P.O. Box 600, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Sorry, no personal replies.