How often should you interview?

Had a conversation with my AE last week and he said some of the best advice he had ever received was to "constantly interview." I found out that he tries to interview once a quarter at different companies, regardless of how well he is doing. I asked him why and his response: "That way I know if things don't work out here, I can get a job somewhere else." Not sure how much I like that mentality.. Thoughts?

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15
DaveFromCollege
Notorious Answer
8
Account Executive
Often, because when the right opportunity comes along, I want to be interview ready. The best way to prep is by interviewing elsewhere. As much as companies try to be unique with their process, they all end up asking similar questions.
CadenceCombat
Tycoon
2
Account Executive
This is great advice @DaveFromCollege and something I’m trying to improve on.

I’m currently on the job hunt after leaving my last gig and I’m dealing with the consequences of not being proactive unfortunately. And, even worse, I know it’s likely going to take me an interview or two before I’m really on my game.
SlanginSaaS
Opinionated
7
Strategic Account Executive
Always be interviewing. 1, it keeps your skills sharp. 2, even if you think you are working for your dream job, one of those interviews may lead you to your dream job which you otherwise would not have found. 

Interviewing and receiving an offer can also give you leverage to ask for a raise. If your company truly views you as an asset they will work with you. If they tell you no way, then you have the better offer that you can accept.
swerve
WR Lieutenant
0
Account Executive
@SlangingSaaS ^ spot on.
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
Brilliantly said. Right on
Accidental_Sales_Guy
Politicker
5
Account Executive
I think it's a great idea to always be networking and finding new opportunities. 

However, Interviews take a lot of time and energy- I'd find it really difficult to interview every quarter while still executing my current job well.
PEACHESandCRM
Contributor
4
Account Executive
That was kinda my thought... @DaveFromCollege and @Adam I see where you are both coming from, but are you treating these interviews as "practice" or are you genuinely interested to work at the places you are interviewing?
DaveFromCollege
Notorious Answer
4
Account Executive
I do it a bit different than most I think. I am an SDR but when I was first applying, I did it to pretty good SDR Manager and AE positions. The interviews were tougher and I learned something new every time. I don’t come in with a “practice” mindset because I would absolutely take any offer I got. 
LoneMaverick
Executive
5
Strategic Account Leader
I interview at least once every 6 months if not more, not the whole interview process but at least through the initial call with a hiring manager.

I am always very direct and honest, very happy where I am, excelling, would take a lot to make a move, etc.  

It’s good practice and you never know when you might be presented with the next big opportunity.


fuzzy
Notable Contributor
4
CMO (Chief Meme Officer)
Once or twice a year at the minimum. Always keep your skills and resume sharp. 
Mikey
Politicker
3
Senior Regional Director
I also like this idea. I absolutely love my job and applied for a promotion a few years ago.... It was the first time I had interviewed in 5 years and I absolutely tanked. I was incredibly prepared, but I was just rusty. Plus, you never know when the right opportunity will pop up. 
Moneymachine
Politicker
3
Account Executive
ABI - always be interviewing.

It makes sense right, you never know if someone else is valuing your skills more. Only one call away from an extra +50k a year.
Trinity
WR Officer
3
BusDev
I think it’s good to have a pulse about other opportunities and it’s good to practice/sharpen your interviewing skills. With that said, only do it if you’re very interested to learn more about the role and the company. 
swerve
WR Lieutenant
1
Account Executive
I (AE) just had this convo with my SDR recently...did we...did we just find each other on here? Lol.

Assuming these are coincidentally separate conversations, at least network to the point where you are 1-2 phone calls away from a job offer within a week. The best job offers come when I’m NOT looking. Someone’s always getting promoted, with a better patch and bigger OTE, because they know the right people. Might as well be you.

Interview at least once every 6 months purely to keep your interviewing chops sharpened.
PEACHESandCRM
Contributor
1
Account Executive
We may have... what a coincidence! I get that, again my thing was the mentality piece. Obviously you should always be looking to grow, and when you have responsibilities the money plays a huge role in that. I appreciate the comment. 
swerve
WR Lieutenant
1
Account Executive
@PEACHESandCRM confirmed you are not who I thought you might be lol. 
PEACHESandCRM
Contributor
1
Account Executive
I was secretly hoping I was haha
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
I would never recommend bouncing around as a SDR just because it makes it harder to get promoted. Once you're an AE, you should at least understand where more money is. Doesn't hurt to have a few recruiters keeping you apprised of new opportunities and kicking the tires at least twice a year.
capitano
Contributor
1
GTM Sales Enablement Leader
Always interview – especially when you're comfortable. The benefits of taking low-risk exploratory conversations far outweigh any negatives. See what skills and competencies are desirable, define your narrative, and most importantly validate your worth in the market. Plus, you expand your network which amplifies a multitude of opportunities downstream.
BCD
Politicker
1
BDR
I agree! interview often. Sharpens you interview skill sets, keeps you up to date and allows you to get some valuable feedback 
goose
Politicker
0
Sales Executive
I think it's terrible advice.  If you change "interviewing" to "networking" then I'll play along.  I'm not talking about the shitty kind of networking that people claim to do.  I'm talking about taking interest in people and companies that you align with and forming true relationships with them.  Then you really have some options.

Why don't you call different VP Sales, CRO or other leadership and ask them questions about their company, their path to success or their recommendations for career tracks?
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