The job in between jobs
I was wondering, say if you're in between jobs, and you decide , in order to pay the bills, to apply for a clerical or a file clerks position to pay the bills, something small.
When you apply / interview for such a job....should you keep it "hush hush" about how you don't intend on staying there for too long?
I heard that ANY job that you apply for, say at Lowes or even Home Depot, the hiring manager wants theiremploeess to stay at least a year...as a matter a fact that goes for ANY job. "Using" their organization could be tacky in their eyes?
Well, here's how I look at it. First, you have no idea how long you'll be staying in this "temporary" position. May be a couple weeks, may be a couple months, may stretch out longer for whatever reason. Second, if the company you're working for decides for any reason (or no reason) that it's not working out (or they don't have enough work, or whatever), they will have no qualms about getting rid of you without considering how you feel about it.
So I say, no reason to tell anyone that you think this is only "temporary." It is what it is, and it's over when it's over. Same as any other job.
When my hubby and I moved back from Australia after being gone 2 years, it took me 2 years to get back into my field. In the meantime, I took a part-time, temporary, marginally related position (20 hours a week)and supplemented it with 30 hours a week working at the fabric store while my hubby was going to school. Although both employers knew I wasn't in this for the long haul, you play the game. You convince them that you do really want this job at this time and then when you're in it, you give it your all. As was said, you have no idea how long that "temporary" job may be needed. Mine was just about 2 years. That doesn't mean you should say "of course I'll stay 5 years", but you want wording to the effect of "this job really suits me right now and I'm committed to it".
Tess
Hi,
I would say it depends whether you work in a state that has "at will" employment. I work in an "at will" state. In my state an employer can terminate an employee or contractor with or without cause with no notice or with notice. At the same time an employee or contractor can quit with or without cause with no notice or with notice.
During the interview I would tell the hiring manager what they "want" to hear, but always keep an eye out for better opportunities, e.g., more compensation, learning new skills, etc. Remember though, there are employers who have the reputation of not being able to retain employees. There are lots of reasons for this, but the obvious one is "management." There are people in management who should not be there and people who are not managers, but who should be in management. The result? Employee turnover, bad reputation among job seekers, customers, vendors, lenders, etc.
My perception is employers are looking for longevity, but given the nature of work as "temporary" how can they realistically "expect" employees to stay with a company longer than a year? I have worked for at least four temporary agencies and found them all to be lacking in management, customer service, honesty, realibility, etc. They are all worth about a grain of salt. It seems more difficult to find work in the direct hire arena. My work history and having worked for several temp agencies has hurt my opportunities.
It's really up to you how you want to proceed.
Never ever let them think your time there is only temporary; for one thing, you have no idea how long it will be until you find a new job.
I took an "in-between" job, certain I would only be there for a few months, that was 13 months ago.
Give them every reason to think you are there for the long haul; if they get wind that you are looking for another job, they will most likely get rid of you before you have a chance to quit.
Debbie...even if its a Lowes or the Big Yellow Arches?
I did something similar when I was unemployed. When you have a mortgage and car payments to pay and unemployment ends, what are you going to do? You are going to find any job that provides you with income.
When you do get hired for this job DON'T go blabbing that is this only temporary. Keep your job search to yourself and go about your business. I know that during a normal business day at a menial pay job, employees will talk. They will complain about the salary and how overworked they are then someone opens their big mouth and says, "Oh this is only temporary. I am looking elsewhere". Not only is this unprofessional, when the business needs to cut hours guess whose hours will be cut first? YOURS!
Debbie...even if its a Lowes or the Big Yellow Arches?
Sure, why not? If you let pride get in the way, how is that better than not having a job at all? I recently had my review and it was GREAT. My boss was very complimentary and I received a nice raise (for retail). When I start job hunting (after the 1st) I know I will get a great recommendation from her; okay, I don't know that for a fact, but I do know that I have proven myself over & over. When I leave at the end of the day I feel good about the work that I did.
You never know what job/contacts can lead to, so try never to burn your bridges.
A friend's mother has been out of work and on unemployment for several months now. She is paying through the nose for COBRA. Her daughter has encouraged her to get a job, any job until the right one comes along. She has dug in her heels and refused -- all the while borrowing money from her daughter & son-in-law. So, where has her pride gotten her?
This isn't the career path I would have chosen (or thought I'd be doing) at this point in my life, but sitting around moaning about it isn't going to help either.
Sometimes being an adult and doing the right thing sucks, but you gotta do it!
Good luck!