Should I take a job that's less than what I'm seeking?

I’m getting the same question a lot lately from friends and acquaintances who are on the job market, either because they recently lost their jobs or because they’re seeking to reenter the workforce because their husbands lost their jobs or are otherwise feeling vulnerable.  The question is: should I take a job that is “beneath” me or only a short term assignment, or should I hold out for that one perfect permanent job I was looking for?

Now, more than ever, my answer is an almost unqualified “grab whatever you can.” And here’s why.

It’s a foot in the door.  Once you’re inside an organization, you’re in a much better position to know about and compete for additional opportunities.  For example, a fixed-income professional we know, who had been out of the workforce for several years, saw a job post on the NYC ultimate frisbee players listserve.  The job was billed as a "junior analyst."  But despite its low level she interviewed and was hired.  “At first,” she wrote, “I sat at the reception desk, but once they figured out what I could do (which took only 6 months), they gave me a raise, a huge office and lots more responsibility.  I didn't sell myself short when I took the job, but I D I D wade in slowly, giving me and the employer time to get settled and get to know each other before the job got really big.”  

Of course, this strategy works best if you join an organization that is at least stable, if not growing.  Here’s an opportunity we heard about in Boston that we think offers similar characteristics, i.e. that’s a “foot in the door” for someone with an interest or background in commercial real estate: http://irelaunch.com/docs/ppr_march_2009.pdf

But even a start-up might be worth considering.  In, NYC, my sister-in-law is looking for a part-time bookkeeper/controller for her high potential new venture.  http://irelaunch.com/docs/slimmer_2009.pdf  Is her business a sure thing?  No! Is the job a high-paying fulltime gig?  No!  But is it a foot in the door that could lead to more? Absolutely!

Everyone is a consultant these days.  Being a consultant will not keep employers from considering you.  On the contrary, it’s a great way to develop relationships that can potentially lead to permanent fulltime employment without making people feel like you’re desperate for a job.  One of my neighbors accepted a consulting assignment with a financial services firm a few months ago.  She was reluctant because she was concerned about taking herself out of the fulltime job market.  But now they’re talking to her about a permanent position, and she’s still continuing to interview on the outside, while getting paid.  Also, if you were an employer, who would you rather have a networking conversation with? A consultant to your industry, or a job seeker?

Nobody will think less of you for taking a lesser job in this environment.  We’ve just experienced an economic tsunami, especially in certain parts of the country.  Nobody will blame you for grabbing a job, any job, as a life raft in this post meltdown world.  Recruiters were similarly sympathetic regarding bizarre career moves in 2001/2002.  So do what you’ve got to do to put bread on the table and don't worry about "what people are going to think."

Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin are the co-authors of the acclaimed career reentry book Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work, and the co-founders of iRelaunch, a company that produces career reentry programming, events, and content for employers, universities, organizations and individuals.

For more information on Relaunching, see iRelaunch and check out Back on the Career Track.  Carol and Vivian can be reached at info@iRelaunch.com.