Why You Should Still Interview Even When You Love Your Job

Why You Should Still Interview Even When You Love Your Job You have virtually no commute, the best boss ever, and legitimately love the work you do so why on earth would you ever interview anywhere else? We have six reasons that might make you reconsider.1)You just never know.Have you ever declared your undying love for something (like your new iPhone or grilled cheese sandwiches) only to discover there was abedrngnisher version that was even better than you ever could have imagined (like latest version of the iPhone or grilled cheese with brie)? Well, the same concept applies to your job. Stick with me on this one its possible that you might find a job that is even better than the one you love now. Why not look?2) Youll expand your network.Having meaningful, one-on-one conversations with colleagues, recruiters, and leaders in your industry is an incredibly valuable opportunity and its often hard to come by. Networking events, while completely worthwhile, tend to be a bit hectic. Its tough to get more than a few minutes with anyone. Interviewing, on the other hand, guarantees that youll have someones undivided attention as you discuss your role, your goals, their company, and the job market. Pretty great, right?Think of interviews as another opportunity to expand your network. Connect with the people you meet on LinkedIn, send them personalized thank you notes, and do your very best to make a great impression. Even if you end up respectfully declining an offer, youll walk away with a few new professional contacts. And you never know when theyll come in handy.3)Youll strengthen your interview skills (practice makes perfect).This may be hard to hear, but someday you might actually be ready to leave your current job. When that time comes, youll be glad it hasnt been years since you last exercised your interview skills. This is also a great opportunity for you to take inventory of what you do every day, what youve accomplished since stepping into your role, and what youd like to do next. Having the ability to summarize your stunning array of skills and career accomplishments in a clear, compelling fashion wont just serve you well in an interview itll also be incredibly useful during your upcoming wertmiger zuwachs review or the next time you ask for a raise or promotion.4)Youll get the inside scoop on the competition.Interviewing with another company is a great opportunity to benchmark your current responsibilities, projects, benefits, compensation, and work environment against what is going on in the marketplace. This could either serve to affirm that you are in the right job with the right company, or reveal a potentially more interesting, lucrative, or flexible role.Taking the time to investigate what your skills and experience are worth in the job market and understanding the opportunities that may be available to you is a super savvy career move. Even if you conclude that you arent ready to take on a new job right now, you may be in a year or two. Whenever that time comes, youll be ahead of the game.5) You might end up loving your current job even more.You know that feeling you get toward the end of an awesome vacation? The trip was great, but theres no place like home. You cant wait to get back, sit on your own couch, cook in your own kitchen, and sleep in your own bed. Something similar may happen when you decide to explore other opportunities.If the interview doesnt go well or the company doesnt meet your expectations, youll just end up loving your current job even more. Youll feel a renewed sense of excitement about going into work every day, and the tough days (everyone has them) may not seem quite so tough.6)Youll still be in control.Saying yes to an interview doesnt mean that youre definitely going to leave your job. Only you can make that decision. Dont lose sight of the fact that youre the one in the drivers seat. If at any point in the interview process you realize this job isnt the one, you can respe ctfully withdraw yourself from consideration. Just be aya that you arent backing out of scheduled meetings or calls at the eleventh hour the more notice, the better.Admittedly, if you know you have absolutely no intention of even entertaining a new opportunity and are completely unwilling to make a change, it doesnt make sense to move forward with an interview. Recruiters and hiring managers put tons of energy into the interview process, and theres no point in wasting your time or anyone elses.But.If there is a part of you thats curious and could potentially be incentivized to make a change, dont hold yourself back from exploring interesting opportunities. Sure, you may decide to stick with your current job in the end, but expanding your network, strengthening your interview skills, and gaining a better understanding of your industry are all pretty great reasons to at least have a conversation with a prospective employer. Even better? Theres always a chance that youll find a new jo b that you love even more.--Jaclyn Westlake is a career advice columnist, creator of the Job Hoppers Job Search Strategy Guide and founder of The Job Hop. With more than ten years of experience in the recruiting and human resources space, she is passionate about empowering job seekers to achieve their career goals. Shes also particularly fond of coffee, every dog in the world, and the city of San Francisco.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women. Join us by reviewing your employer