[Blarg]

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I received an email from a company I don't remember applying to. I re-read the job description and it doesn't appear that I am in any way qualified for the position. The job is also local to my university city, a city in which I never planned to stay. There is a very small chance that I will accept any offer that is made.

Is it ethical for me to accept the interview for the main purpose of practicing my interview skills?

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Id have a huge problem with doing this. That company is spending time and resources to interview you. I wouldnt feel right wasting their time and money. If you dont want the job then dont go to the interview. Ive done about 100 interviews and could give you some pointers if you are really desperate.

Richard

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Companies waste your time all the time by calling in interview candidates when they already have an internal in mind to say the least. Go ahead - waste their time - use their staff to improve your interview skills. If you're gonna work in corp america, they're gonna screw you a lot - at least take advantage of them to improve yourself.

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I've seen this happen too many times to count. People do interviews because company policy requires them to interview X number of candidates -- sometimes specifically external candidates -- before hiring someone's nephew. Many firms hire relatives and friends for any opening possible, but doing interviews keeps them somewhat immune from charges of nepotism and general failure to promote from within.