Applying for jobs even though I am employed

[Neuroman]

I got a first screening interview for a job even though I am employed already (I'm so grateful). I like my job, but I wanted to test the job market to alleviate my anxiety in case I am unemployed.

I wanted to interview from a place of strength, while I am employed. Because in case if I am laid off/fired then I can look back on this good experience of interviewing as well as having a recent interview to be a better candidate.

This is a great way to psychologically and emotionally temper yourself in these trying times.

I think I might go through this one or two more times before I am satisfied.

[ixtap]

Maybe. Our roommate has been interviewing all year, but hasn't gotten a single offer. That hasn't been so great for her psychologically or emotionally.

I wish you the best of luck, because it is successful interviews that have the effect you are looking for!

[Neuroman]

Oh no, sorry to hear that about your friend. Are they interviewing because they are happy in their job or unhappy in their job? Or are they unemployed?

[ixtap]

Oh no, sorry to hear that about your friend. Are they interviewing because they are happy in their job or unhappy in their job? Or are they unemployed?

They feel under appreciated in their job, due to stingy owners. I also suspect that a big part of the issue is communication skills.

[clarkfan1979]

I also love interviewing from a position of strength (currently employed). I end up being more honest, which actually hurts my chances of getting the job. However, it also helps me the land the job that is truly the best fit for me. For my current job, they absolutely loved my interview. My co-workers still talk my interview 6-9 months after being hired. Good times.

[Chris Pascale]

Interviewing is the way to go. I was at my last job for 3 years, and during it I was applying to others, which made the time more bearable.

I'm now in a really great spot, but do plan to start applying to peripheral details, temp assignments, and promotions in about 6 months. Currently, I'm slated to help with some training classes, which has also been helpful, and I'll likely do it again.

[bbqbonelesswing]

Do it! I take interviews regularly, but unless something really great comes up, I don't plan on actually leaving. It's a good way to keep yourself sharp and up to date on what's out there and what other companies are looking for.

[I'm a red panda]

My husband recently went through interviews with a company that tried to recruit him- he didn't actually apply (that would have had us relocating to a very high cost of living area).  He was offered the job, but with a salary that would have ended up being quite a cut for us considering the housing and other expense increase.  But even though he declined the offer, he was able to leverage it into a decent raise for him (and a coworker, actually) at his current job.

I, however, would probably not interview if you have NO intention of leaving. Unless you have a very large industry, you don't want to be the guy who didn't take a job and didn't have a good reason for it, when it was offered.

[Neuroman]

Here's an update:

So I had a screening 1st interview at a job. I figured if I got to the 2nd round I would bow out of that 2nd interview and just say my personal situation had changed.

It was a good interview, I was a good match for the job but it came up it looked like I needed to emphasize my soft skills (management experience, interfacing with other work groups, how I am a good communicator and project manager) which kind of threw me off guard. I was so focused on demonstrating my hard technical skills. Other than that, I believe the interview went really well.

Then I interviewed at a part-time adjunct lecturer/professor position at the best graduate school in my field. I remembered the past interview and incorporated more about my soft skills, and it really helped!  This interview went well--I was hired! Now I have a good side hustle without having to build it from scratch.

Best,
N

[Paul der Krake]

Isn't this what everybody who is half-serious about career advancement does?

[Neuroman]

IMHO, I think some people just don't know what opportunities are open to them and/or are afraid to reach/ask. I know I didn't before as well.

[Linea_Norway]

Once, when I started looking for another job (after a really toxic day at work), it took me two years to find something else. Partly because I am critical and didn't want to sign several contracts (bad competitor conditions or bad pension) and I also didn't get an offer everywhere. But you do get a lot better in interviewing.

[Michael in ABQ]

My last two interviews were while I was still employed. Got offers from both. I'd been with the same company almost a decade prior so it was nice to know that in both cases I was offered more pay with fewer hours/stress. One offer was a federal job the other was in the private sector. I ended up taking the federal job but unfortunately the second offer wasn't enough to make them budge on salary negotiations (notoriously difficult with federal jobs unless your current job or second offer is much higher).

[Loren Ver]

Interviewing is a skill, and the best way to practice is to actually do interviews.  Even better when you aren't hurting for a job.

Good on you!

Loren