Overqualified workers who must accept a lower-level position to find employment should still continue to network and hunt for a better job in anticipation of climbing back up the career ladder, says a U.S.-based career-management firm.
“People coming from depressed industries, such as the technology sector, are facing the harsh reality that they may never find employment in their field again,” says Jerry Weinger, chairman of Bernard Haldane Associates.
“For many, it requires switching industries and starting over, with financial pressures often forcing them take any job just to pay the bills.”
But once a decision has been made to accept a job that is below previous employment levels – in terms of title, responsibilities and salary – workers should only stay as long as necessary, says Weinger.
“Taking a step down doesn’t have the negative impact on one’s career that it used to have,” said Weinger.
“A surprising number of people are in the same situation, and many have managed to climb back up the career ladder.”
Some tips for managing under-employment:
* Look for companies with the opportunity to move up.
* If you inevitably have to take a step down, use it to gain experience to break into a position you always wanted, but weren’t qualified for.
* Take a job that teaches you something new.
* Create a resumé that highlights the skills applicable to the lower-level job you are after. Keep an alternate version for better-quality positions.
* Demonstrate why it is worth it to you to bring value to the company.
* Keep a positive attitude. Success is a pattern. If you excelled in your last job, you will probably excel in the next one and move up quickly.
* If you are underemployed, don’t change jobs just for the sake of changing. Make your next position a calculated career move.
* Never take a job you will hate.
Bernard Haldane Associates is the largest career management firm in the U.S.
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