A step in the right direction, Pauline. Isn't better to know that you don't want it and won't take it than to scramble to get it and be miserable. One bit of advice: In every interview, your goal has to be to get an offer or an invite back. You need the practice in closing the deal.

As to warming them up - get there early, watch how the office/lab operates, make positive comments on what you have seen. Ask about the interviewer - how long have you been here? Two weeks - why did you decide to work here? Five years - you must love it here...and let them talk. Getting there early also gives you a chance to see the office dynamics. I was on an interview for a high pressure sales job and walked in to discover the receptionist crying. Worse - every single person in the office was involved in her little snit - including the Sales Manager. How the hell could anyone make money there if the pay is commission and the receptionist won't answer the phone? SIGH.

You have experienced the latest innovation in Human Resources carried out poorly. Interviews are carefully choreographed to get the best information AND avoid law suits. Your best weapon? Ask questions. Prepare them in advance so it looks like you are thinking on your feet. Make it clear that you are so good that you feel comfortable interviewing them. It is a game. And the winner is rarely the best qualified candidate.

Put it behind you and move on.

I am half happy/half pissed. There was a job I really wanted, had FOUR interviews for, and lost to another candidate in September. Guess what? They are advertising it again this time with the home office in MA doing the interviewing. My ego won't let me re-apply - their loss and mine. They should have hired me in the first place.

SINS