I come across a lot of articles that recommend interviewing for a job once in a while (even with no intention of leaving your current gig) mainly for below reasons: - practice makes perfect (hone your interview skills) - may open doors to unexpected opportunities - may obtain valuable information (e.g., comp - not the unverified $ others post online but one that would actually be offered for you) to gauge your current situation I haven't actually seen anyone in person that goes about interviewing without having intention to accept, or even consider, the offer (but then again, no one really advertises that they're interviewing). How common is this practice and do you guys personally do this? Is it beneficial or just wastes time (not only mine but also the interviewers')?
Many in FS likely have difficulties finding the time during a normal business day to go to an interview
FS?
Financial Services, that's true :-(
Sometimes you might go to the interview expecting one thing, but during the interview get to know some aspects about the role, team or company that causes you to rethink your plans. I don’t think you should waste anyone’s time by taking interviews you know going in you aren’t interested in, but they are a good way to learn more and get practice as you mentioned. Be selective.
Yep that had certainly happened to me before where I went in thinking the role would be what I had in mind, only to find out during the interview process that it really was not. I'm sure it can happen the other way as well, so I'll need to stay open-minded, but yes definitely selective since I wouldn't want to purposely waste anyone's time just go get practice.
100times YES
Agree with other folks that have commented that you should take the interview if there is even a small chance you would be interested. It's hard to get a good feel for the work and the people without actually going onsite and meeting people and discussing the problems that they are solving. The worst that happens is you walk away with an updated resume, more interview prep, and a better idea of your worth in the market and exit opportunities. However, you shouldn't go crazy and interview so much that it is hurting your current job performance and you are taking so much time off that it is clear to your company you don't want to be there (assuming you aren't actually interested in leaving).
This is a very interesting topic. When you get work at a prestigious company and you have a good position, many recruiters come to you with different propositions. I think you need to be very selective and staying at your job for at least a few years to show some kind of fidelity is always good
I think it’s fine to interview every once in a while for the reasons listed, but don’t interview at companies where you know there’s 0% of you accepting an offer. It’s better to interview at places you admire/like/may join.
I'm starting it this month for those reasons. Totally happy with my hard-to-replace remote job, but I want an appraisal.
Interesting- I feel I need to as well, but I'm just getting really complacent (and busy) with where I am that I lack the motivation to seek the "appraisal". Don't get me wrong, I'd love to get a pay bump. It's just pure laziness.
If you are just getting back into interviewing after being in a job for a while and can find the time then definitely do it will make the ones you want easier
It is easier for a company to find talent and make a job offer than it is for you to interview and receive a job offer. I’m just sayin....
Valid point. But even just finding time to interview is a chore (perhaps a necessary one though).
I think most people don't interview simply because it's a hassle and have a "why bother" mentality when you are not going to accept the job anyways. It is also arguably the ethical move because the recruiter will probably give the interview spot to someone else who might actually want the job instead. Though like you mentioned, practice makes perfect and I would personally try to do it just to gain interview experience.
Yep that's been my mentality as well, but there were also times where I had wished I had practiced more interviews to feel confident going into one I was actually interested in.
Just be mindful, even though you might be doing it for "practice," you want to either be choosey with the practice rounds and/or take it seriously. If it's with a company you may one day actually want to join, you wouldn't want to eff up your future prospect by botching the interview.