It holds your attention before a job (13)

I believe the answer is:

preoccupation

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'it holds your attention' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'before a job' is the wordplay.
'before' becomes 'pre' (prefix meaning 'before').
'a job' becomes 'occupation' (I've seen this in another clue).
'pre'+'occupation'='PREOCCUPATION'

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(Other definitions for preoccupation that I've seen before include "Absorption, engrossment" , "state of France in 1939?" , "Obsession" , "Something totally dominating the mind" , "A matter that monopolises a person's thoughts" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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