Keeping Your Options Open: Why Interviewing Can Benefit You, Even When You Love Your Job
While feeling content and valued in your current role is ideal, stepping outside your comfort zone and interviewing for other positions can offer surprising advantages. That is what I learned from talking with “Judy” at a recent networking event and during a subsequent email conversation. Judy mentioned to me that she has been interviewing for jobs with other employers – even though she is happy and content in her current role. I asked Judy to share her experience and thought process so that other individuals and job seekers can benefit from her career management approach.
Here is what Judy had to say:
Q. Why are you interviewing for jobs with other companies, even though you are content at your current job?
A. “I like to keep my interview skills sharp! I try to interview with other companies at least once every six months. I like to hear about what other types of opportunities are out there, and what other companies are offering. I am very happy in my current role – I’ve been there about six years. I have an extremely supportive boss who has encouraged and supported my career and personal development, and he has compensated me fairly every step of the way. I have a lot of flexibility in my current role, and still a lot of room to grow. But, despite this, I enjoy interviewing with other companies, just to see what else is out there! I think that everyone should consider looking at new opportunities, even if that just means browsing job boards or recruiter's websites once in a while, to see where the current job market is for their role or their next career move. My boss is aware that I occasionally interview elsewhere (and he shares with me that he does the same). We have spoken at length in the past about how it’s important to be open to new opportunities. But, I think this also encourages him to keep me compensated competitively, because he values me as an employee and doesn’t want to lose me. I don’t necessarily recommend this much honesty for all jobs – it depends on the relationship you have with your boss!”
Q. What have been the benefits to you of doing this? What have you learned?
A. “It really gives me the benefit of seeing what kinds of employment market trends are out there, and what types of compensation and benefits companies are offering. I get to see what kinds of roles I may be qualified for and learn about different industries. I get to meet new people, and who knows, perhaps in the future they may have another role that I’d be well suited for! I also like hearing and practicing interview questions. If I have a bad interview, which happens occasionally, it gives me some time to reflect on my answers and attitude and make adjustments for future interviews.”
Q. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes (who you are interviewing with). How would you feel if you were interviewing someone who was just on a fact-finding mission or exploring the market? Would you see this as a waste of your time as you are looking for someone who actually wants to join the company?
A. “Obviously, it’s never my intention to waste anyone’s time or disrespect anyone by interviewing. I do try to make it clear with the interviewer that I’m happy in my current role and how it’s currently fitting my needs, but I am open to exploring new opportunities and hearing what their company has to offer. I would hope that sharing my role with the hiring manager helps them to understand how similarly qualified candidates are being compensated and helps them to develop roles that are compensated fairly. If I turn down a role for low compensation, I hope that the hiring manager takes the feedback back to the company and improves the position offerings for the next candidate. Perhaps it will help elevate the role for the next applicant!”
Judy’s approach to career management highlights two ways that a happily employed individual might benefit from interviewing even if they love their job:
1.) Gauge Your Market Value and Stay Informed: Interviews provide valuable insights into industry trends and compensation packages for your skillset and experience. This knowledge empowers you to negotiate your salary more effectively in your current role, ensuring you're being fairly compensated. Additionally, you gain exposure to different work environments and company cultures, allowing you to stay informed about potential future career paths.
2.) Sharpen Your Interviewing Skills and Build Confidence: Interviews, even if you don't end up taking the job, provide a valuable platform to hone your interviewing skills. By practicing your responses to common questions and navigating interview scenarios, you gain confidence and preparedness for future opportunities, whether with your current employer or elsewhere. This can significantly reduce anxiety and improve your performance in future interviews, even if you ultimately decide to stay with your current company.
🗝 Ultimately, interviewing while content in your current role allows you to stay informed, engaged, and prepared for what the future holds. It's a proactive approach to managing your career, ensuring you're making informed decisions and maximizing your potential.
[This article was originally published on LinkedIn on 2/26/24: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/keeping-your-options-open-why-interviewing-can-you-bill-leonard-mhrm-1ik6e/?trackingId=URjNGkGgS%2F6WmU6OM03K1w%3D%3D]