Most of us only think about interviewing when we’re actively looking for a new role. We dust off the résumé, practice a few questions, and hope muscle memory carries us through. But what if I told you that interviewing isn’t just something you do when you need a job – it’s a professional skill that should be maintained regularly, just like coding, public speaking, or project management?

Interviewing Is a Skill, Not an Event

Interviews test a wide range of abilities: communication, problem-solving under pressure, technical depth, and even emotional intelligence. Like any skill, these fade if you don’t practice them. Waiting until you’re forced into the job market often means you’re rusty and nervous – hardly the ideal conditions for showing your best self.

Think of it like going to the gym. You don’t wait until you need to run a marathon before training; you keep yourself in shape so that when the moment comes, you’re ready.

The Reality of Layoffs and Change

Even if you love your current job and have no plans to leave, industries shift. Layoffs happen. Projects get canceled. Companies pivot. Sometimes entire teams disappear overnight. The people who fare best in these situations aren’t just the most talented – they’re the ones who can move quickly because they’ve kept their interviewing skills sharp.

If you’ve been practicing regularly, you won’t be scrambling to remember how to answer behavioral questions or whiteboard a solution. You’ll already have that muscle memory.

Hidden Benefits of Ongoing Interviewing

Keeping yourself interview-ready offers benefits beyond just preparing for the unexpected:

• Market Awareness: Regular interviews give you a pulse on salaries, benefits, and demand for your skill set.
• Skill Benchmarking: Interview challenges often highlight areas where you need to grow technically or professionally.
• Networking: Every interview is a chance to meet industry peers, hiring managers, and future colleagues.
• Confidence: Knowing you can walk into any room and perform reduces the fear of job insecurity.

How to Practice Without Job Hopping

You don’t need to switch jobs every year to keep your skills sharp. Here are a few approaches:

• Take an Interview or Two Each Year: Even if you’re not interested in leaving, going through the process keeps you sharp.
• Mock Interviews: Partner with a friend or use platforms that simulate real interview conditions.
• Stay Active on LinkedIn: Recruiters often reach out. Accepting a few conversations keeps your pitch fresh.
• Review Your Résumé Quarterly: Update it with new projects, achievements, and skills while they’re fresh.

Final Thoughts

Always Be Interviewing (ABI) isn’t about being disloyal to your current employer or constantly chasing the next opportunity. It’s about maintaining readiness in a world where change is constant and security is uncertain. Just like keeping your code clean or your body in shape, ABI ensures that when you need the skill most, it’s there for you.

You never know when you’ll need to put it to the test – but you’ll be grateful you kept it sharp.