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Are you interviewing???

By Gayle Oliver | Thursday, January 18, 2007, 08:32 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Recently, I coached an individual who shared with me that she was being over-worked and considering making a change. Having been employed with the same company for more than 7 years, she was contemplating leaving due to the never-ending stress of this current position.

In addition to grueling 14 hours days, multiple re-organizations, and constantly shifting responsibilities, this professional had reached a serious burn-out point that was driving her to want to leave her job. Not only had this loyal employee tolerated a boss who never understood any realistic human limitations, her boss confronted her on multiple occasions when she needed to leave the office during the day with the question: Are you interviewing? She asked me what she should say since now she was going to actually begin interviewing to find a new employer.

My advice to her was to reply with a smile when asked the question of whether she was interviewing: Should I be? Another possible response could be: What makes you ask that question? Answering a question with a question boomerangs the focus of the conversation back to them and begs their reply without providing your answer. Some adversarial people will not be satisfied with that answer and point out that you didn’t answer the question.

At this juncture, you have to decide whether you feel obligated to truthfully respond to question. The problem with answering ‘yes’ even when it’s the truth is that you may find yourself in the unemployment line by nightfall. The problem with answering ‘no’ when yes is the truth is that hopefully you don’t like to lie and frankly may not be good at it. The fundamental problem is the question itself. No boss should ask the question since it is really not their right to know the answer. I believe question is usually asked when your boss senses your dissatisfaction.

Ideally managers would get better at addressing employee dissatisfaction in a proactive way, prior to employee burn-out. Unfortunately often times, they are under too much pressure themselves, or planning their own exit strategy. Since it is an unfair question to ask, try converting the question into an opportunity to have a meeting with your manager.

Set aside time to discuss what you like about your job and some of the things you would like to see changed or improved to achieve greater satisfaction in the position. Whether you stay employed for a few more days or a few more years, finding a way to improve your circumstances, your results, and your attitude will serve both you and your boss very well.

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