Episode 7
How to Attend a Job Interview When You Work Full-Time (Ep 7)
You want to keep it to yourself, but if you dress up to the nines, out of the blue, then take a 2-hour lunch break, it will be quite obvious you have gone to a job interview. Listen to the poscast where I tell a very sad story about what not to do, and how everything can go really wrong if you are not careful about job searching while working.
Hi, I’m Renata Bernarde and this is the Job Hunting Podcast, where I try to help you nail your next job and have the career you want.
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About this episode:
Three things you can try to do:
- If possible, take a day off
- People will know if you dress up better that day, so dress nicely every day
- Try to book at the start or end of day
Have I done a job interview during work hours? Yes? Was it stressful? A bit, but not so much.
The best way to do it in my view is to create an environment over time were you are excused from work every now and then to do personal things, as long as you are always able to catch up on work later, and keep on top of your responsibilties and KPIs, Remember your current work and boss are your best reference. Now more than ever you want to make sure your work is above bar.
Maybe I have been lucky or it's my sector, but I was not micromanaged, and could take time out every now and then to run a personal errand, and catch up with work later, for example. I also never over-explained anything. For example, don’t say all the details of your medical appointment. Add to your calendar, give people access to your calendar, and then go. Period. I also always dressed professionally so that people never thought one day I was more overdressed than the other. If you read my 10 tips for making Job hunting Less Stressful and More successful, or listened to previous podcasts about building your brand (numbers 3 and 4) you will know by now that your next job can be found anywhere. A lucky person is a person prepared for opportunities. If your job requires you to be dressed more casually, then walk into the interview room and “destroy” with your confidence, exude leadership, and let them know you have been at work and need to go back to work so it explains things like a lack of tie or suit, for example.
What you shouldn’t do:
- Over explain your lie
- Come up with complicated stories
- Have a guilty attitude
- Tell people you are looking for a new job.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: you should NOT tell people at work that you are applying for jobs. No way, Jose! This is my opinion, but here is why I think like I do:
Don’t tell anyone at work you are looking for a job. It may be fine for some people, but it’s a good rule of thumb to follow. It’s hard to keep a secret at work. You would be asking people to not tell anyone, when they have projects, deadlines and budgets on the line. It’s not fair for you to ask them that. Plus, if you don’t leave, you will be stuck there with them, and it will be awkward for everyone. They may start reconsidering your motivation and interest in your job, and it can negatively affect your ability to get an internal promotion or interesting project.
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About the host, Renata Bernarde
Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.
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