| We've all been in that position. There are times in | | | | can follow up by saying that this flexibility or the |
| your life when you just need a paycheck to keep | | | | ability to enhance your skills allows you to work on |
| food in the fridge and gas in the car. You tell yourself | | | | your degree, spend more time with your kids, |
| that you'll take any job and love it-you're just that | | | | whatever. The formula here is simple. |
| desperate. | | | | 1. Address the concerns that you're sure are going |
| So you apply for some jobs, and even go as far as | | | | through their minds. It's OK to bring this up yourself |
| to hide some of your experience in an effort to | | | | in the interview. |
| dumb down your resume. | | | | 2. Mention a specific benefit of the job that you are |
| But is that REALLY what you want? | | | | applying for. |
| Many people take a job they're overqualified for to | | | | 3. Show how this benefit fits into bettering your |
| just pay the bills. That is perfectly acceptable, as long | | | | lifestyle at the moment. |
| as you're honest with yourself about your reasons | | | | The big don't with this, is to NOT promise that you'll |
| for taking that position, and don't harbor any | | | | be there forever, and don't oversell yourself that this |
| delusions that it will turn into some grand new career | | | | is the complete perfect job for you. You want to |
| launch pad. However, convincing the employer of | | | | avoid the scenario that three months down the road, |
| your intentions while in the interview can be tricky. | | | | your situation has changed and you're ready to leave, |
| Chances are when they meet you they'll have the | | | | but you feel badly about the lofty promises you |
| sense that you are more than what is on your | | | | made to get the job. |
| resume. Your best defense is to try to explain your | | | | If you're taking the job to get the necessary |
| intentions. Saying that you're desperate for funds is | | | | experience for a career switch, be honest about that |
| not going to win you any points, but addressing the | | | | as well. Emphasize that you bring expertise in |
| interviewers' concerns upfront is your best defense. | | | | different areas, and that you have a genuine interest |
| You can say that it might seem odd to them that | | | | in learning about this new career. Recognize that |
| you are applying for this job, but at this time in your | | | | there are some parts of this diminished position that |
| life this job is a good fit for you. You can say that | | | | you won't like and that you'll need to pay your dues |
| you're looking for a job with flexible hours, a shorter | | | | all over again. But keep your long term goals in mind |
| commute, a chance to improve your computer | | | | and you will get through it successfully. |
| skills-turn any quality of the job into the benefit that | | | | The key is to be honest and open. |
| you were looking for that enticed you to apply. You | | | | |