Handling Job Offers Beneath Your Experience

As a career coach I often am asked “What should I do if I am offered a job that is beneath my experience and skills?”   “Do I hold out because the job market is improving or do I accept the job offer and get back to work?”

 There are pros and cons to accepting a job at a lower level of responsibility and income.  Hiring authorities understand that this has been a very difficult job market and many people accept a job to earn an income until they can find employment suitable to their experience and skills.

The negatives of under-employment are your current salary is lower, your level of responsibility is lower and this job will be listed on your resume.  You also have less time to conduct a full time search if you are under-employed.  The positives often outweigh the negatives and include:  income, interaction with other people who are working, the ability to add to your professional and personal network and the ability to quickly move up the ranks based on your experience and skills.

Here are a couple of success stories of candidates who accepted positions that were beneath their level of experience:

  • An unemployed electrician decided to drive a cab while job searching. He drove the cab for eight months before he was offered a job by one of his passengers, who just happened to own one of the largest construction companies in Florida.
  • Another candidate decided to work at a coffee shop because she was bored and had been unemployed for over a year.  She had a regular customer who ended up being the CEO of a major corporation located close to the coffee shop.  After several conversations, he shared his business card and she is currently working as a VP of Marketing for one of their largest divisions.  This opportunity was a step up for her from her prior Director of Marketing position including a raise in income.  They didn’t even consider what she was earning at the coffee shop.

Many holiday positions turn to full time employment and temp and contract opportunities turn into full time careers.  Jobs have also been created around individuals who accepted an entry level position, only to be noticed by executives who wanted to better utilize their talents.  If you are financially solvent and conducting your job search 40 hours a week, under-employment may not be a good idea for you.  If this does not describe your current situation, this is something you may want to consider.

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What Clients Say About Patrice & Associates

  • Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!

    I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support and guidance provided by Patrice & Associates during my job search. I was greatly impressed by the professionalism and commitment of your team in helping me find the right job opportunity.  In particular, I would like to highlight the invaluable assistance provided by Chris Bousquet, who stood by my side every step of the way in the search and interview process. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving a successful transition to my new position.

     

    Once again, thank you for your assistance and commitment to my professional career. I wish you and the Patrice & Associates team continued success in your work.

     

    Sincerely,

    Miguel Pulla

    Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!
  • Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!

    To begin, Clint Carpenter was the ONLY recruiter I didn't get a generic template e-mail from. He actually took the time to look at my complete resume. In the first few days we spoke, he really took the time in our conversations to get to know what was important to me in a future job as well as what I knew I did not want. He checked in with me every day, whether it was to help coach me for an interview or just follow up if I'd gotten feedback. When I finally did get the offer I wanted, there was a snag and the paperwork with the company was delayed by 2 weeks. It was incredibly frustrating, but Clint called or texted me EVERY single day to encourage me and make sure I was ok as well as doing whatever he could from his end to help facilitate the paperwork. I never felt like I was alone in the job search process. Clint is professional, positive and you can tell he genuinely loves helping people. I would recommend him to anyone!!!!    

    Lethr' Rothert

    Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!
  • Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals

    Dave Evens has been working with me these past couple months as I transition from a restaurant owner toward a corporate environment.  Along with this, I'm relocating from TN to NY.  I feel that he was able to capture my unique experience in the updated resume he created for me.  Dave was great with communicating options and feedback from all sources. It was a true pleasure to work with him.  While we were unable to find a good fit for me, I am blown away by Dave's approach and enthusiasm.  I found a great job, on my own, but I do not feel that reflects poorly on Dave nor Patrice & Associates. When, again, I enter my next job search, I will be sure to reach out to Dave first!

    Sincerely,

    Neil Archibald

    Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals
  • Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring

    I honestly didn't know what to expect from Patrice & Associates. Upon my first time speaking with Mr. Mike Buterbaugh, I was instantly put at ease with his genuine approach to helping me find the best fit for me overall in my next career decision. Not only did he coach me on how to drastically improve my resume, he also had me an interview within a couple of days. I have never had an experience quite like this during a job search, but I would definitely give 5 stars to this company and their recruiting team. I have gained a new career that not only met my salary expectations, but balances with my personal life as well. Thanks again for your help, and although I don't plan to be on a search again, if the need arises, they will definitely be my first point of contact.

    Eula

    Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring
  • Patrice & Associates Video Client TestimonialsClint Carpenter was wonderful!

    I worked with Clint Carpenter on getting a job. Clint did an amazing job helping me with my resume, walking me through the process and giving me help and interview tips.  He was in communication with me everyday about what was going on and keeping me in the know. I would call on Clint again if I ever needed him!  

    Gary Summers

    Clint Carpenter was wonderful!