Remember that feeling?
You’ve received an offer, cancelled all of your interviews, deleted your CV from the job platforms and stopped replying to recruiters.
No better feeling, I agree. Especially after long rounds and many rejections.
So, why should I ever keep interviewing if I have a job? You may be wondering.
If you’re lucky enough to have a job that satisfies you, the last thing you probably want is to stress yourself out with job interviews.
However, exploring new opportunities while you’re still happily employed can have its benefits and put you ahead of the competition.
How? Let me explain.
1. Practice
We don’t know what the future reserves for us.
Business Insider shared a worrying number of major companies slashing staff this year in this article.
Whether it’s a layoff, a manager that pisses you off, or you simply decide that it’s time for a change, you need to be prepared.
Having the skills and experience needed for the job is not enough.
You may be the most talented person on the planet, but if you don’t convince the hiring manager during the 2-3 hours you speak that you are the person they need, you won’t get the job.
Some of the most incredible and humble people I met were stuck in a job that didn’t value them due to them being nervous or just not being able to show their worth.
Interviewing is a skill, and as they say… practice makes perfect.
The more you interview, the more confident you’ll be. Soon there won’t be any question that will leave you unprepared, and you’ll be able to be yourself and actively listen rather than thinking about answers.
2. Benchmark yourself
Know your worth!
Are you ready for a bigger role? How much do other companies pay people like you?
If you feel your current employer may underpay or undervalue you, interviewing is the best way to find out.
Apply to the jobs that you really want and remember to ask for honest feedback from every person you speak with. Take notes!
You’ll now have your own personal development plan. Whether you are looking for an internal promotion or a different company, you’ll know exactly what experience, soft or hard skills to work on.
3. Network
Didn’t get the job?
Well, you gained a new contact.
Building your network is the best thing you can do for your personal and professional development.
If you leave people with a good impression, of course.
The colleagues you spoke with may refer you; the recruiters may come back to you once they have a new job for you, or who knows, they may turn into clients.
Even when things don’t work out as you hoped, make sure to still keep the relationship with your interviewers positive. Knowing the right people can get you referrals and open new doors.
“Opportunities do not float like clouds in the sky. They’re attached to people. If you’re looking for an opportunity, you’re really looking for a person.”
4. You may come across a great opportunity
Sometimes… it’s just luck!
Do you dream of working at Google, Microsoft, or perhaps at your favourite pizza place?
Landing a great job may come at an unexpected time.
When you urgently need a job, you’re willing to accept less money and worse conditions than what you’re worth.
If you are happily employed, this is your chance to aim high!
Apply to those opportunities that you are not 100% qualified for yet.
Often it’s just about being in the right place at the right time.
You need some luck to have a harmony with the hiring manager, that other candidates leave a worse impression, have your CV spotted by a recruiter, or have the exact background and skills that the manager is looking for.
Take the chance!
5. Reaffirm why you like working at your company
Motivation rises and falls over the course of a career.
I’m myself a pro of alternating between loving and hating my job.
Looking at what’s out there can help you realise that you are exactly where you want to be.
You’ll be able to compare salary, benefits package, the overall freedom, and the attitude of the people you work with.
The grass is not always greener and sometimes interviewing will give you a needed reality check.
A new manager won’t always be more flexible. Working hours may be longer. A pay rise may bring additional stress and extra hours. You may also realise that you like your current colleagues!
My advice
Regularly interviewing can have many benefits.
You deserve to have the best option and understand your worth. However, don’t let it consume all your focus.
Interviewing can be time-consuming and mentally draining, especially with multiple rounds and exercises involved.
Aim high! Carefully select opportunities that are worth your time and efforts. (Here’s my guide on what to look for in a company).
Remember to ask for genuine feedback and be prepared to embrace it. If it doesn’t work out with the chosen companies, consider it confirmation that you already have an excellent opportunity and use the feedback to improve.
This is your chance to approach interviews without the stress of urgently needing a job. You have the luxury of being selective and critical about the people you choose to work with.
Remember, you are the one making the choice about who you work with, not the other way around!
You’ve got this!
Here are some resources to help you prepare for your interviews:
