Interviewing while holding a job? | Hacker News Reader

Interviewing while holding a job?

11 pointsmtldev11 comments

I'm currently working a job at a startup and I'd like to interview with some companies in the area. I'm not necessarily ready to switch jobs, but would like to see what's being offered and get some experience interviewing. Any advice on how to go about this without it interfering with my current position?

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Have a phone interview during lunch. Come in early, leave early. Come in late, leave late.

Go to something like a meetup relevant to your interests, meet people, see where it leads.

And get your work done.

I've only had one instance where I was interviewing while unemployed. All other times, I simply took a couple of hours off work and went off to the interview. I usually would work a little bit extra in the days leading up to the interview and not have to worry about not putting in my time. When I interviewed last, both of my interviews were on a Friday. My former employer had casual Fridays, so the only thing I had to put up with was changing clothes once I was done with the interview. If I waited until I was unemployed before interviewing, I would miss out on a lot of opportunities.

Hiring execs will completely understand your need to maintain the 'situation normal' cover.

For in-person interviews, suggest meeting outside of typical business hours-- grab an early morning coffee or after 6pm; even Saturday morning interviews are fine. You might be surprised just how flexible folks are.

I might add-- only pursue target opportunities you're seriously interested in. Don't waste anyone's time trying to get 'interview experience'.

try and schedule Friday afternoon interviews and take half day off on Friday(s). Makes it look like you are taking a long weekend.

Thanks for the reply. My main concern is that my employer might be contacted, and subsequently start taking actions to replace me. Is this something I should be concerned about?

This is highly unlikely - a company wouldn't be able to hire anyone they need after a stunt like this, which would serve no purpose for them anyway. Companies are acutely aware that you're still employed - it's likely a big part of why they are interested in you to begin with. Prospective offering companies will generally avoid contacts from your current firm in lieu of other specific document evidence, like pay checks, W2, etc. Additionally, you generally provide your own referrals if this degree of reference check is even undertaken.

Phone interviews can be tough - best to do well away from company out of respect if nothing else, but as suggested a lunch break is a good time for this and a park with maybe an ear piece or Bluetooth headset is recommended. And it may seem obvious, but don't actually eat or drink at any point while on the call...

For in person, again just from a moral stand point, these should be conducted on your own time but emphasize your desire to get as many possible done on that day. Don't try to overbook though - the worst thing you can do is miss our all for a reschedule at the last minute. But you can do so if they have a healthy buffer between, especially if one is an earlier round (ie. Phone screen after and day of in person has been doable for me, but you definitely should refuel at that point and try to take a breather.

You absolutely should be aware of the market opportunities and the relative value and respect that can factor in. It is your right, and I would say or obligation, to do so and insure both you and your employer are benefiting equally. All that being said, your current company shouldn't be paying for this pursuit, so be fair and do it on your own time. In business, being consistently courteous and reasonable in all your pursuits will genuinely help your cause and best position for you to receive the same.

You need to operate on the premise that every week might be your last - especially at a startup.

But you can't really operate that way. You have to operate as if there's always going to be a reason to go to work, until there isn't. Otherwise how do you motivate yourself?

What I meant is that you should be prepared - save a little money aside, keep your skills current, network with friends and keep tabs on the job market. In other words, enjoy the cruise but know where the life boats are.

BTW, I love going to work. :-)

If you're looking for interview experience, a recruiting firm may be the best bet. While they don't want you wasting their time either (they want to place you so they can get their commission), there will be times when they'll simply want additional candidates to give the illusion of choice for a company. It's not necessarily jobs you wouldn't take, but rather jobs you'd prefer not to take.

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