If you are looking for a new job, you might have to juggle your current work and interviews. This can be challenging, especially if you have a demanding schedule, multiple opportunities, or a strict boss. How do you balance work and interviews without compromising your performance, reputation, or ethics? Here are some tips to help you manage this delicate situation.
The first step to balance work and interviews is to plan ahead. You need to know your availability, your priorities, and your goals. Try to schedule your interviews during your lunch breaks, before or after work, or on your days off. Avoid conflicting or overlapping appointments that might cause stress or confusion. Also, prepare your resume, portfolio, and references in advance, so you don't have to scramble at the last minute. Finally, set realistic expectations for yourself and your potential employers. Don't overcommit or underdeliver.
As a very experienced legal recruiter with 34+ years of experience, I do all of the heavy lifting when it comes to interview scheduling and logistics. I find out from my clients how much time my candidates will need for the interview, whether the interview will be virtual or in person, what my candidates should wear etc. Then I get dates/times that work for my candidates and get the interview scheduled. I find out the names of the interviewers so my candidates can do their diligence, and I schedule calls with my candidates to discuss interview strategies. Interviews need to be scheduled around work, and work always comes first. If a last minute conflict arises, I let my client know and we reschedule accordingly.
I agree with the below comment from Barbara. If working with a recruiter, they should help with the logistics and preparation to help candidates go into interview as calmly as possible. Whilst it is important for candidates to undertake their own interview preparation, a good recruitment professional should also support and guide you in, with insight as to the client and their expectations/needs. The build up to an interview can be extremely stressful, especially alongside balancing work, so try to organise the interview at a time that you won't have the pressures of work and give yourself time before the interview itself to catch your breath, have a drink and calm the nerves!
When scheduling interviews with the teams I support, I always ensure the candidate knows exactly who they will be meeting/speaking with, what role they play in the process, and encourage them to send a follow up "Thank You" email to those I referenced. And most importantly, I implore the interviewees to CALL ME if they have to cancel or reschedule. You rarely get a second chance if you ghost on an interview. Nor should you for that matter.
Do not apply for every job posting you see on the social media. Try to act smart. No one should understand you are searching for a new job out of the organization. Be patient and try to ask you questions and concerns in phone interview. If you are sure for the position you are applying then demand an hour leave.
The second step to balance work and interviews is to be discreet. You don't want to advertise your job search to your current employer, coworkers, or clients. This might create tension, mistrust, or resentment. Keep your interviews confidential and professional. Don't use your work email, phone, or computer for your job search. Don't wear obvious interview attire or accessories to your workplace. Don't lie or make excuses about your absences or delays. And don't badmouth your current job or boss during your interviews.
Keeping interviews discreet is vitally important. Whilst it can be all too easy to share the news with coworkers or clients, you run the risk of your news being unintentionally shared with no ill intent. It also gives you added pressure after the interview with people invested in the outcome of your interview. Confide in family, a recruiter, or a key sponsor/mentor who can help you with the process and be a sounding board and will understand how you may be feeling throughout the process.
One of the advantages of using a reputable recruiter is that the recruiter will handle the interview logistics for you. In my 34+ years as a legal recruiter, I have NEVER had a breach of confidentiality. I always make it clear to my clients that my candidates' searches are CONFIDENTIAL. I make sure that my candidates reiterate this during their interviews. I also make sure that they do not include work information on their resume, and that we only communicate using their personal email and cell phone.
The third step to balance work and interviews is to be flexible. You might have to adjust your schedule, your workload, or your preferences to accommodate your interviews. Be willing to negotiate with your potential employers about the timing, the format, or the location of your interviews. Be open to different types of interviews, such as phone, video, or panel. Be ready to adapt to changing circumstances, such as cancellations, rescheduling, or feedback. And be respectful of your current employer's needs and policies.
Work commitments have to come first. Lawyers are very busy and employers understand that they may have to schedule interviews several weeks in advance. No one expects you to be available the next day. That is why it's so important to provide your recruiter with several dates and times that work for you. Be sure to include any hard stops as well. If your availability changes, please let your recruiter know asap so they can change your interview date/time.
The fourth step to balance work and interviews is to be honest. You don't have to reveal your job search to your current employer, but you shouldn't lie or cheat either. Be truthful about your reasons for leaving, your skills and qualifications, and your expectations and goals. Be transparent about your availability and commitments, and don't make promises you can't keep. Be ethical about your use of resources, time, and information. And be courteous and grateful to both your current and potential employers.
You should never lie or cheat, and you should always be honest with your recruiter. We are here to be your advocate. We need to know if you have deadlines and/or job offers so we can keep the process moving forward with other prospective employers. You shouldn't let your employer know that you are looking for a new job. Despite what you might think, this doesn't create FOMO or leverage with your employer. Unless you have an offer in hand that you want to accept, don't say anything. Some people are "lookie loos" and just want to know what is out there, with no intention of leaving their job. If you are seriously looking, there is no value in having your employer know your plans until you're ready to accept a new job
The fifth step to balance work and interviews is to be focused. You need to maintain your productivity, quality, and professionalism at your current job, while also preparing and performing well at your interviews. Don't let your job search distract you from your work responsibilities, or vice versa. Don't let your emotions or stress affect your attitude or behavior. Don't let your confidence or desperation influence your decisions or actions. And don't let your success or failure define you or your worth.
A job change is an important life decision, but it is not a life and death decision. An experienced recruiter can help you with time management, and can help you keep things in perspective. We are your coach, your cheerleader, and your intermediary. We will help you keep you head in the game at your current job, and when you are interviewing.
The final step to balance work and interviews is to be ready. You need to be prepared for any outcome, whether it is an offer, a rejection, or a counteroffer. You need to know how to accept, decline, or negotiate an offer, and how to handle a rejection gracefully. You need to know how to give notice, transition, and exit your current job, and how to start, integrate, and succeed at your new job. And you need to know how to follow up, thank, and maintain relationships with both your current and potential employers.
Counter offers are all too common and it is definitely important to have prepared for this ahead of any situation arising. Think, or list, the reasons you are leaving and if there are any changes that your current employer can make to resolve your reasons. Either approach this with your employer before you start your job search and give them the opportunity to address them or when a counter offer arises, refer to your list and see consider if the offer combats your reasons for leaving. Whilst additional money is important to us all, this may not give you job satisfaction longer term and be a compelling enough reason to stay. By considering ahead, you won't feel the time pressure to jump to any decisions you may regret further down the line.