A regular column compiled by Ron Visconti (Mondays)
SF Examiner

Question - I just accepted a job in customer service that I am not too excited about. Should I take it while looking for another job?

By Ron Visconti

Randy Block
Staffing Consultant & Executive Coach

 Randy Block brings years of expertise in executive search as well as a certified career and retirement coach.

 "You certainly can take a position simply to pay the bills while you pursue the career that is the best fit for you. I am assuming that you are very clear and excited about your career goals. You might also see if the company is in a position to offer a position that more closely matches your skills and talents down the road. Be careful that the customer service duties and responsibilities are "doable". Next to sales, customer service provides critical contact to those paying the company's bills. It would be hard to "fake" being a cheerleader for very long."

John A. Hohulin
Senior Recruiter, Bristlecone

John Hohulin has 20 years experience in Human Resources field including recruiting, spans sales, semiconductors, networking, technical training, and software, as well international experience 

"Two things: First, there must have been something that appealed to you about the job you accepted. Give it a chance before you decide to bail out. Second, accepting and then declining an offer can haunt you; the people you disappoint will remember you negatively. Since people in the Bay Area change employers more often than average, the chances are good you'll see them again. Don't risk the bad karma."

Rich Stiller
OD/HR Consultant

Rich Stiller has held executive management positions for a variety of high tech companies, from startups to multinational organizations such as Sun Microsystems, Electronic Arts

"If you find a job that meets your qualifications in pay and work environment, TAKE IT!

You can continue searching if you want but be aware that starting a new job can take a great deal of your energy and time while you ramp up. I would focus on the new job and then if after a reasonable period of time, you are dissatisfied, start your search again."

Ron Visconti, Managing Partner,
Peninsula Employment Group, LLC.

Ron Visconti has assisted jobs seekers and career changers through recruitment events, career transition projects, career counseling, and workshops. Founded and ran non-profit career center.

"You have to look at a couple of things---will the short-term commitment assist or detract from your present or long-term goals? Although a short-term assignment might initially assist in paying some bills, it might also deter you by putting your job search on hold. Why not find part-time assignments at odd hours that still allow you to conduct a full-blown job search?"

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Ron Visconti is a career and recruitment specialist who has worked with and assisted numerous career changers through the career change process.

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