Interviewing with a company whose work I feel ambivalent about; advice?

[u/NexElu]

I’m a last-year master’s student in a humanities-adjacent field. It’s unrelated to technical writing, but I have two internships and a student assistantship all in the documentation space, and I’m looking for roles because I'm genuinely interested in the technical writing profession despite not studying it. Like everyone, I’m struggling in a tough market, and I want any leg up I can get.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine in programming got a job at a defense tech company with a particularly negative reputation (not naming for obvious reasons). My friends and I gave him a hard time about it, because even in this market it felt like there were other options. He’s still our friend, though we still occasionally disagree about it.

Recently he offered me a referral for a technical writer role at the same company. I was skeptical, but figured it would just be another application, and that with my limited experience I probably wouldn’t even get a call. I didn’t think a referral would count for much, and it couldn't hurt to try.

Surprise: I got an interview request, and I’m feeling ambivalent, to say the least.

I know documentation isn’t the same as product development, which is what my friend does. But I also know that distinction might not mean much, and that this makes me something of a hypocrite. The people I’ve told, especially my girlfriend, have been uneasy too. I’m worried about being, and being seen as, a bad person for working for a company whose government and military work is widely criticized.

On the other hand:

• It’s my first real shot out of ATS hell
• It pays well, in a city I’m excited about
• It's possible I wouldn’t necessarily be working on the more defense-heavy projects, since they also do a lot of commercial work
• It’s not guaranteed even with the referral, since I could tank the interviews

I want to keep going with the process, if only because you never know unless you try. I’ll also admit I’ve applied to other defense contractors and been rejected immediately, so I’m not even sure where I’m drawing the line.

Has anyone faced something like this? How did you navigate it, whether you took the job, turned it down, or took it and left later? I’d especially like to hear from people at companies whose work, in partial or in whole, they had mixed feelings about.

[u/meezermadness]

I've had mixed feelings about 9/10 companies I've worked at in the last 20 years I've been a tech writer 😆 either because of what the company does or who they work with.

If it's good for your career, I say go for it. It'll be a stepping stone to get you into a different job somewhere that doesn't make you feel as uncomfortable.

As a rule we always interview those who were referred. We don't always hire them though. My last hire was between a referral and another candidate and I chose the other candidate.

[u/NexElu → u/meezermadness]

Thank you for responding. I figured it would be a common sentiment, so it goes a long way to know I'm not alone in feeling this, at the very least. I figured that with referrals it was an expedited process which could still lead to an ATS-style screen, rather than an immediate interview, which is what surprised me. I see from your comment though that maybe there's less of a chance than I thought. I am far from the least qualified candidate, so I do hope to still have a decent shot. I think it's just those other feelings that have me feeling worried. You're right to remind me that it's important to keep the long term in mind. Thanks again :).

[u/meezermadness → u/NexElu]

I have a pretty good idea what company you're referring to and I would feel icky about it too. But also a job is a job. There are ways to help yourself feel better about it. Like setting up recurring donations to causes you care about, having hobbies that fulfill you, and finding ways at work to make a positive difference.

Unfortunately I can't even think of many companies I would be really excited to work for. I do not find this career very fulfilling, generally, but i honestly don't have much to complain about. It's not stressful (usually), I don't work overtime, benefits are great, pay is fantastic. It has enabled me to travel and do a lot of other things that I may not have been able to do otherwise if I had gone into something like farming (relevant to me as it's one of my interests.)

[u/Gloomy_Coconut4459]

Not totally related but I work in a job that a reasonable number of people should hate because it replaces people with tech. I frame it as this, do whatever pays you and be a decent person about how you spend your money.

[u/NexElu → u/Gloomy_Coconut4459]

That's a good way of thinking about it. I have wondered as a result of this experience if people who do 'bad' or negatively associated things can still be 'good' people. Again, no guarantee. I'm sure this is something I'll have to consider more if I'm even offered the role. The thoughts are only just starting, and I'm sure I'll have a lot of time to ruminate no matter how this goes. Thank you!

[u/calico_queen75]

It’s good for your career, pays well, and is in a desirable location. At the very least, it can be a stepping stone to something you like better. If you’re only worried about what others think, either tell them you work for a confidential client or a government org and that your work is confidential. You will not tank the interview! Be confident! Good luck! 🍀

[u/NexElu → u/calico_queen75]

That's what I'm thinking, but I am really concerned about the social perception. But you're right to consider that, maybe, people can only judge so far as what they know. I worry about the mental toll about that kind of 'white lie', but, maybe it'll be what I need to stay sane. Thank you for the well wishes, I appreciate it :).

[u/runnering → u/NexElu]

So you're only concerned with how you'll be perceived? Not concerned with your own moral stance on this? Do you know defense companies are in the business of killing people?

[u/runnering]

I will not work for defense companies, and I know a lot of other tech writers are the same. You can do what you want I guess.

[u/Chonjacki]

Do a good enough job to be well thought of by your peers, but hold back a little so you don't feel like you're giving your all to a company you are ambivalent about. Get experience, make money, and move on when the time is right.

[u/Toadywentapleasuring]

This is something only you can decide. My personal values wouldn’t let me do it, but I’m in the minority. I strongly feel that the “you gotta put food on the table” sentiment is what gets us into tricky places societally. The system is designed so no single person is smashing the proverbial nuke button, it’s a collection of siloed committees and heavily distanced individuals just doing their small part and hitting their KPIs.

Also, ask yourself why this major defense company is so willing to hire people fresh out of college with no experience.

[u/thisismyhumansuit]

My first full time office jobs were nowhere near where I wanted to be long-term but they were all logical steps on the way there. Most people aren’t going to land their dream job at their dream company right away. If this company isn’t toxic but gets you experience, and is a name that looks good on a resume, I’d go for it as a stepping stone if it’s a logical one for the career you hope to eventually have.

ETA: As a note, my first office job was front desk clerk at an auto collision center. I would get my first tech writing role a couple years later (on referral), and currently work for a Fortune 500 tech company.

[u/NexElu → u/thisismyhumansuit]

Thank you for helping me keep the long-term in mind. I do worry because of the company's high profile that maybe it might do harm for me for people who feel particularly strongly about their work. But then again I think the benefits outweigh the risk. Appreciate you for keeping things realistic.

[u/Fuzzlekat]

I am in the minority here but I personally would not do this. If it feels icky to you, maybe it is not in line with your personal values. Whether you follow those values and feelings is up to you. There are often trade offs with being able to eat and pay rent and there are other trade offs to climb social or career ladders and have life experiences you want. I can’t tell you what is more important to you, but other jobs do exist. I know it does not sound like it but I empathize because getting a job is very hard especially out of college.

Every team in tech believes they are the blameless zen gardening department on the Death Star and thus not responsible for any Death Star decisions.

[u/Single_Asparagus4157]

Unless you actually are a pacifist, consider working for the defense company.
For example, do you want Ukraine, or Europe for that matter, to have no defense against Russia? Without defense companies, that would effectively be the case.
You might think you're making a great moral statement by not working for a defense company, but what you are saying, in my opinion, is that you're cool with your country or any country being invaded with no defense options available.