Insulted or Swallow your pride?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 13:12:01 -0400

Scenario: You have several diplomas ranging from an Associates up to a Master's degree.

You are looking for work in your field. You have many years of experience and certifications. You are highly qualified to do the job.

You are turned down by the employer but offered a job at same company to work as a parking lot attendant.

Do you..

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made May 13 at 2014 1:28 PM

SGT Shon D. Hill — Tue, 13 May 2014 13:28:17 -0400

Sure I would feel insulted, but sometimes we have to take it to get by. Of course, we don't rest on our laurels, keep on looking ;)

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 13 at 2014 2:24 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:24:03 -0400

Getting your foot in the door is important, and even a parking attendant is that foot in the door. Do what needs to be done to get where you want to be. Suck it up sweetheart.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 2:39 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:39:40 -0400

Depends on your financial needs. If you need a job and that money will get you by then take it. Keep job hunting while you are at least making a little money. Sure it's not the job you want forever, but if it pays the bills, then that's the main thing.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 2:49 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:49:30 -0400

You have to start somewhere. As for being overqualified for a job, I think is absurd. Every company has different policies and procedures so you can't be overqualified if you have never worked there. My two cents.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made May 13 at 2014 2:52 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:52:04 -0400

Suck it up buttercup have to start somewhere
We all painted rocks at the beginning if military career

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 13 at 2014 2:58 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:58:34 -0400

Is it what God has led me to do? Will I be able to serve others and tap into the gifts the Lord has given me? Without swallowing any pride, I take the wonderful opportunity.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made May 13 at 2014 3:08 PM

SPC Stephanie Oanes — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:08:05 -0400

even though it is a kick in the face to have so much experience and to be certified but turned down for a much lower ranked job, it IS at least a stepping stone for working for that company. Something is better than nothing as long as it can pay the bills.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made May 13 at 2014 3:16 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:16:36 -0400

Whatever it takes to feed your family, is what you do. How do you know that that offer isn't a test of how badly you want the job? How do you know that, out of the hundreds of applicants, the first one to accept the parking attendant gets the job?

Even if it isn't a test, its money in your pocket

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 3:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:39:26 -0400

While it can be a slap in the face in light of all the accomplishments, weigh your options and priorities. Being stubborn and prideful doesnt pay the bills and put dinner on the table.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 4:59 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 16:59:55 -0400

Congratulations on furthering your education. If and when you are hired, hopefully you can use that education to better contribute to the employer. You are not entitled. A degree is not a job offer, nor does it provide a paycheck. In fact, that degree likely cost a lot of money to acquire. Life is not always fair. If you do not have income...then the parking attendants are sitting better than you. Take the position, continue to apply for higher paying positions. I cannot stand an unemployed person who believes they are above any occupation.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 13 at 2014 5:21 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Tue, 13 May 2014 17:21:14 -0400

Start a competing firm and put them out of business.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 5:51 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 17:51:23 -0400

Hey a job is a job until a better one comes along. If it's the difference between a roof or the streets I'll take the job and look for a new one. Sometimes the best time to find a job is when you already have one!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 13 at 2014 6:07 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 13 May 2014 18:07:33 -0400

I had a neighbor around the Fort Sill, OK area who was a retired 1SG. He really wanted to be the store managers at a Home Depot store. He said he knew he wouldn't get the job so what he did was applied for a fork lift driving job which he was selected for but he only used the skills needed. He worked that job for a while and when the position came open he took it. So in the begining he took a position that he was totally over qualified for.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 6:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 18:26:59 -0400

I would feel insulted, but hey in the end you have to put food on the table.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 6:34 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 18:34:46 -0400

First, I wouldn't get insulted, I would laugh. If you need the money now, you better start enforcing parking regulations! If not, move on to the next one!

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 13 at 2014 6:48 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Tue, 13 May 2014 18:48:24 -0400

Next question-are you legit or a scammer? Selling hot cars can be pretty profitable...but short-lived.

But- the best parking lot attendant story I heard about was a gentleman attendant outside a zoo in England, and politely parked cars for over 20 years. He eventually retired, and when he was no longer there the patrons asked about getting another attendant. Management looked into the matter and discovered they never had a parking attendant on the payroll.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 13 at 2014 6:57 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Tue, 13 May 2014 18:57:07 -0400

But seriously, I am going to take a different slant on this. If that in fact did happen, the unpleasant reality is that you have a nasty sob who is feeling his oats by making you grovel - and you will never get promoted because he/she will have no respect for you.

Your issue is about what alternatives you have, and recognize that taking an aggressive marketing approach for yourself will pay far more dividends than by taking jobs you are seriously overqualified for.

If you do take the job, learn who the patrons are whose cars you are parking, and develop a relationship - then you are making lemonade out of the lemons.

I have been in the world for a lotta years, and an advisor to successful folks. I have watched the scum of the earth abuse people, and I have watched good people help out others. There are a lot of misplaced egos out there - maintain your own dignity and stay within yourself. No one trips over anything by sitting on a log. Good luck - if you need to bounce something off me I am the old NCO...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 8:19 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 20:19:51 -0400

SSG Tolbert,

This is not about being insulted or swallowing pride. Clinical psychology teaches us that everyone does what they do for a reason. The key is understanding the reason(s). Under these circumstances, we need to understand the reason(s) for the decision(s). The real question is why were you turned down for employment for which it seems you felt very well qualified and offered instead a position for which you appear to be overqualified.

[ deleted some questions and suggestions re writing a civilian resume ]

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 8:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 20:29:04 -0400

I've done that kind of thing and then someone comes to me to find out the weather. One time the Pharmaceutical's owner came to eat a Thanksgiving dinner and was shocked and impressed when a radio station called for a radio broadcast.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 8:29 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 20:29:15 -0400

It REALLY depends on experience level vs other candidates. Employers will hire the person that best fits their needs based on experience, and not because of degrees.
What often happens in a job search is that the person has lots of degrees and educational experience but no REAL experience. This is common among recent grads*. A recent grad, that is, with only school under their belt and no real work experience.
Some people will graduate high school and then go to college for 6+ years, expecting to get some awesome job when they graduate, based on education alone. The thing about the job market these days is that they are competing for the same jobs, with TONS of people who have the same education AND many more years of real experience.

In the case of good military experience PLUS good education background, in my opinion (with some limits), this candidate can't be beat (if an employer really knows what they are doing). Real world project and leadership experience, plus schooling, is unbeatable.

Back to the original point though, lots of college but no real experience and/or no real concept of work ethic and/or concept of expectation based on experience, will lead to simple/entry level position offerings. So, getting in the door as a parking lot attendant, while menial, might be the only way into the business. Depending on the situation, there is likely another employer SOMEWHERE who will take your schooling into account and offer a better position.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 9:22 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 21:22:53 -0400

I knew an employer that would start all college graduates in the mail room. There they would learn all about the company and who to associate with and who to avoid. It was a short assignment, 90 days or so, and those who were enthusiastic about it were promoted, those who griped and complained were let go. Parking attendant may sound like a bad job, but a great opportunity to meet almost everyone who matters to that employer. That makes you an extremely valuable employee.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 9:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 21:35:36 -0400

If you're truly that experienced and educated, your resume and interview were flawless, and then they offered you a parking lot attendant position?

You need to continue interviewing with other companies. Obviously it wasn't the right fit. No reason to get insulted (although in my opinion what they did was tasteless), just drive on until you find an employer who can appreciate what you'll bring to the table.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 9:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 21:54:37 -0400

We say it all the time.....embrace the suck!!!!

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made May 13 at 2014 11:57 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Tue, 13 May 2014 23:57:02 -0400

I start my own business

Response by SGT Hutch Dubosque made May 14 at 2014 8:29 AM

SGT Hutch Dubosque — Wed, 14 May 2014 08:29:55 -0400

Take the job..keep actively looking for the one you really want. It is much easier to find a job when you already have one. Weird how that works!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2014 11:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 May 2014 11:17:20 -0400

I look at it this way, when we enlisted none of us came expecting to graduate basic and become SMA or complete OCS/Service Academy and be Chairman of the JCS. You take whats been offered and earn your way. Who knows maybe this was a test by the Boss to see how you handle rejection or failure to see if your the right fit for the job offered initially.

Response by MSgt Michael Null made May 14 at 2014 5:49 PM

MSgt Michael Null — Wed, 14 May 2014 17:49:41 -0400

If you are in that position they either have a negative first impression or a bias against you (age, veteran status or any other category--illegal but it happens). You probably won't change the employer's mind and if you took the parking lot attendant job you'd get a paycheck, but you'd waste time you could better use to find an appropriate position elsewhere. I would only take the parking attendant job if I really believed in the organization and felt I had an opportunity to show what I could do for them.

Response by SSG Terrence Reed made May 15 at 2014 8:40 AM

SSG Terrence Reed — Thu, 15 May 2014 08:40:09 -0400

The old saying is definately true "Sometimes you have to take a few steps back to take a few steps forward". Especialy when attempting to change career fields as I am sure plenty of retirees have found out.

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made May 15 at 2014 9:00 AM

PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner — Thu, 15 May 2014 09:00:06 -0400

It depends on how bad you need a job!! If you have other job opportunities out there and you do not need to go to work right away then deny the job offer. If this was a job offer in today's society I would take it until I found a better job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 12:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 12:22:23 -0400

Get the job now and keep trying to get another job. Is hard time for everyone.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 12:29 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 12:29:45 -0400

I really wish a more diverse group would take this poll. Just me being a nerd, I decided to look into the stats of who voted which way. My uneducated deduction is that many of us Army folk see things a little differently and may have our perceptions of reality skewed. As of when I just checked, 9 Soldiers got insulted. 6 of those were active duty and the other 3 reserve component. Is that why we have high rates of unemployment? On the other side, none of the veterans got insulted (according to the poll) and seemed rather appreciative to be able to get their foot in the door and work their way up (according to the discussion)

Should this be telling our AD Soldiers something?

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 21 at 2014 1:10 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Wed, 21 May 2014 13:10:07 -0400

There are way too many variables to consider that could offend or make me swallow my pride. In today's job market, too many have to swallow their pride and take what they can find. Sometimes this means taking on more than one job just to get by.

If I were turned down and the job was given to another who wasn't as qualified as I was, I would probably be offended. How bad I need the job would determine whether I took the lessor paying job or go elsewhere.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 7:31 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 19:31:57 -0400

I would neither be insulted or take the job. I would simply move on and find employment where my skills are valued and would be compensated. It is rarely personal and most always business.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jun 15 at 2014 10:50 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 22:50:17 -0400

Cpl Fermil you need a few more choices:

Go to another company get the job you want and get revenge by being successful.

Get a can of pepper spray and a sock full of quarters, then wait for that guy in the parking lot <- This is a joke

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 15 at 2014 11:47 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 23:47:58 -0400

How bad do I need the job? Do I have other options available? If it was take the job vs. unemployment, I'd take the job.

Response by SSG Sherman Rivers made Jun 16 at 2014 12:13 AM

SSG Sherman Rivers — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:13:36 -0400

If you have a JOB mentality and the pickings are slim, you may want to go for it. The alternative is to think outside the little box that society has so graciously created for us and create your own opportunity. You don't HAVE to settle, it's a choice.

Response by SPC Amanda Wilkins made Jun 16 at 2014 10:07 AM

SPC Amanda Wilkins — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:07:36 -0400

Depends on how desperate I am for a job.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 24 at 2014 9:12 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 21:12:52 -0400

I'm in that position now unfortunately. I'm at the point where I'm going to be forced to take a significant pay cut so I can have a job and provide for my family. it SUCKS and that's an understatement.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 9:23 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 21:23:58 -0400

Depends on how bad you need the job.

Response by CPO Richard Ullom MSITM, CISM, CERP, HISP made Aug 25 at 2014 1:49 PM

CPO Richard Ullom MSITM, CISM, CERP, HISP — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 13:49:20 -0400

Do neither, request from HR the reasoning behind their action because you are looking to learn from it. Could you help me please? A degree or a number of them don't count if they cannot picture you in the position. The interview is your chance to sell the heck out of yourself. The degrees got you in the door.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Aug 26 at 2014 7:59 AM

SSG Gerhard S. — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 07:59:27 -0400

Look elsewhere, there is no point choosing to be insulted. Doing so does not improve your position. I likely would do neither, but I would ask the interviewer why they would be unable to utilize my skills, knowledge, experience, and qualifications in their organization. This information could be helpful in future interviews and applications.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 26 at 2014 8:38 AM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 08:38:28 -0400

I'd vote for the third (absent) choice: Open a discussion on the possibility and potential for ascending to positions of higher responsibility and compensation.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 26 at 2014 8:49 AM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 08:49:21 -0400

I just wish a Vet with decent computer skills would walk in my door looking for a job. I can teach you to be a fence estimator. Teaching you the drive that comes with most soldiers is another matter.

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Aug 27 at 2014 10:50 AM

Cpl Matthew Wall — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 10:50:17 -0400

Not sure what the situation is, but I would have turned it down. I would have felt insulted, but wouldn't have said anything and would have been on my way.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Aug 28 at 2014 1:48 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 01:48:01 -0400

Neither. I wouldn't let it insult me, but I would deny the job offer. If you truly intend to work in your degree field, the parking lot attendent job won't look good on your resume. You'd be better off relocating where you can find work that meets your qualifications and makes use of your potential.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2014 3:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:42:34 -0400

Isn't the whole point of a degree to get a job higher than minimum wage? Unless you're an art or music major there's no reason to put yourself on a downward slope. Keep applying and keep interviewing.

Response by MSgt Michael Null made Sep 3 at 2014 1:45 PM

MSgt Michael Null — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:45:00 -0400

SSgt Tolbert,
This has proven to be a very informative and thought provoking thread! One thing I'd like to point out is that your survey result comes out overwhelmingly in favor of taking the low-level job. If you analyze that a little further, among enlisted members and veterans, it's about 3-1 in favor of taking the lower paying job but among officer members and veterans, it's about 2-1 in favor of walking away.

I think that tells us a little about our military culture, that especially among enlisted people, no job is beneath us and any work is noble. I believe this is out of sync with private sector corporate America, and sadly so. We tend to believe that private sector employment rewards hard work and merit, and maybe that's the way it ought to be. But in reality, they'd be happy to have overqualified and underpaid people. Savvy choices and connections are what will get you ahead, not hard work.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 2:24 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:24:17 -0400

I would do neither. If the offer came verbally, I'd laugh in the person's face and walk away. If it came in writing, I'd shred it and never contact that company again.

But then again, I'm a software and database engineer, and any company that denied me a job in my field but wanted me to be their parking lot attendant is filled with stupid managers and not long for this economic world in the first place.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 8:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:50:20 -0400

Well, I guess it all depends. How much do you want to work for this company? Sometimes, just getting hired on at an entry-level position can net you great personal contacts that may help you move up the ladder later.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 9:04 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 21:04:46 -0400

Insulted or not, your first duty and responsibility is to your family and their well being. What ever it takes to put a roof over your head and food on the table. Save your pride for another day.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 3 at 2014 9:09 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 21:09:59 -0400

I'm not insulted, but I'm not going to take the job either. I will continue looking elsewhere.

If I'm desperate and need to take the job to keep my head above water, then I do so, and continue looking for a job that is in my career field or at least has the potential to use more of my skills and intellect.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Sep 4 at 2014 12:51 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 00:51:16 -0400

At least you got your foot in the door, with your education and experience. You are going through a prove your self again. It is growing pains. If you do as well as you did in the military. You will grow to higher responsibility.

Patience is a virtue

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 1:13 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 01:13:11 -0400

This is an interesting scenario, SSG Tolbert. Thank you for posting this poll. If I were in this situation, I would deny the job offer as being employed as a parking lot attendant. I would not be insulted, however. If I have many years of prior work experience and a portfolio of technical certifications that are relevant to my chosen career field, then I am certain that I would be able to find worthwhile employment elsewhere in the civilian workforce.

However, I do appreciate the posts that highlight the virtue of patience and maintaining a strong work ethic and diligence in the workplace. Ultimately those two traits will result one in getting promoted to a higher-paying position that rewards the employee with more responsibility and care. However, if I am highly qualified for a position in my field, with a stalwart career portfolio behind my back, I won't settle for a position that can be fulfilled by pretty much anyone.

Finding sustainable and career-fueling employment takes patience and effort, as each field has its own criteria for successfully obtaining employment. I view finding employment as being comprised of a healthy mix of luck, effort, prior education, as well as presenting yourself appropriately enough to fit seamlessly into the mold of your desired company's ideal employee.

Thank you for sharing this discussion.

Response by SSG William Patton made Sep 4 at 2014 11:57 AM

SSG William Patton — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:57:32 -0400

It all depends on how hungry I am. If I were in desperate need of a job and jobs are scarce, then I swallow my pride to get my foot in the door. If jobs are plentiful, then I turn the job down. In the job market today, I would swallow my pride just to get a pay check coming in. I have been in that position before and with a family to feed, you do what you gotta do.

Response by SGT Jeremy Livingston made Sep 4 at 2014 11:58 AM

SGT Jeremy Livingston — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 11:58:02 -0400

If I have a masters degree, I am not being a parking attendant....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 2:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:02:35 -0400

Is that really a hard choice? If your family needs to eat you do what you need to do to provide. I have no shame when it comes to feeding my family. None at all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 2:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:18:25 -0400

I think more info is needed. Is my masters degree in some obscure field where this is the only place I could possibly work? Was there reason given that I was turned down? Did they offer me the parking lot job as a way to retain me so that they can build me a special position running the company from the parking lot?

Honestly, I would be offended. I did not spend all this time in school to watch your freakin car. I would make it my mission to get hired on to their direct competition and my goal would be to crush their tiny little business and then offer their hiring manager a job as my driver. Muhahahhaha....

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Sep 22 at 2014 12:10 PM

CDR Kenneth Kaiser — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 12:10:37 -0400

Might I suggest a new strategy. I know the job market is tight right now and if you really need the income take the parking lot job. It is not a career you can still look. However this points out several mistakes folks make while looking.

Look for a job when you have a job is of course the best, so when you are close to separating start working on a resume. You mention degrees. I don't mean to insult but what are the fields? Some degrees are not necessarily marketable such as cultural diversity or social sciences (at a BA level)

That aside as you start your search keep these things in mind. First determine who (i.e. which companies hire folks in your field) Are there professional organizations associated with your field (e.g Association of Human Resources , IEEE that sort of thing. Look at joining it is a good source for contacts) Next once you have a feel for the companies rank them in order of priority. Which would you like to work for the most at the top, could care less like the one that offered you the parking job last. Then start at the bottom with your interviews and work your way up. This way you make your interview mistakes with companies you don't particularly care about, have a chance to sharpen your interview skills, gain information on issues and trends in your chosen field etc. As you get closer to the top of your list you are comfortable, confident and in many cases running the interview. Some things to look for when you are interviewing. Does the individual folks popping their heads up) What are the demogragics ( once worked for four years with a large Aerospace firm. Great benefits, terrible management. I found out that they had a lot of young folks and a lot of older folks, no one in the middle. At the time the younger folks were engineers. The company had paid their relocation expense in return for a 1 too 2 year commitment. Once that commitment was up it was such a terrible company folks left. The other end was folks near retirement hanging on for dear life until they could retire. No middle management. Definitely a red flag.
Next during the interview be sure to ask toward the end if there was anything in your qualifications that made them feel that you might not be qualified for the position. This gives you an opportunity to address those issues. If they are insurmountable you can always follow up with a question like "I want to thank you for your time and I hope that you find the person you are looking for. However now that you know me better do you know of anyone who might be interested in someone with my skills?

Other miscellaneous points. Check in to the local reserve center. Sometimes companies or assigned personnel will post opportunities for folks with particular skills (If you are a reservist and happy with your position you might consider doing this for your fellow service members with your companies support.) If you are just separating not retiring consider the reserves it is a good long term insurance program (network opportunities, active duty opportunities, and retirement benefits). I think I have said enough for now. Good luck. What field do you want to go into by the way?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2014 10:05 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 22:05:28 -0400

Honestly taking that job to feed my kids if desperate but still insulted.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2014 10:12 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 22:12:04 -0400

Great question! I say you swallow your pride and take what you can get. Something better may follow, but don't hold out for the dream job that may never materialize.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 1:23 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 01:23:18 -0400

I would not take the job find some other work. Look at USA jobs and see if there are any civil service you can take on. Search company websites like Leidos, SAIC, Boeing all the gove contractors to sere what they have. Search local government jobs. Federal jobs have veterans preference as do many state and local government. Apply for management positions. I don't think companies do the whole "Mail room to Boardroom anymore." Realistically it is possible to be put in a lower position relevant to your education at first to see if you will be a good fit. Then if they like your performance they will move you up or if don't like you show you the door. Some companies like Starbucks will start manager trainees from off the street to serve as a low line Barista at first and then move them up to get the processes of running a store, that is common. I had a friend got into Starbucks corporate but had to be a Barista for 6 months then a assistant manager, finally a store manger for a while until taking on the office job in Seattle.

It is possible to take a job that you are overqualified if you are a convenient candidate to hire. Ie you are already in the local area. I did this as a contractor. I am a Junior Analyst Subject Matter Expert in my job. My qualifications and experience on my resume rate me at a senior level and almost an assistant program manager. They were reluctant to hire me at first actually because they did not want me cut and run. But they could not find another candidate in the area so I got hired. I am fine being a JA for now as the job is means to an end. So sometimes you may decide to take a lower job because its the only one available for you in your area, otherwise you need to relocate. But if they wanted me to be the building janator very unrealistic I would say sure let me take this broom handle and **&^*^&*^. You get the idea.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 3 at 2014 1:40 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 01:40:57 -0400

Suck it up buttercup and take the job. As its better to have a job while looking for a better opportunity.

Response by Cpl Chris Rice made Oct 3 at 2014 1:45 AM

Cpl Chris Rice — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 01:45:41 -0400

I would swallow my pride and take a job that I am overqualified for, but not from the firm that I had applied with for my chosen career path. For example I am a Registered Nurse, but I would not accept a position as a housekeeper at the hospital. I would however take a position as janitor at the local elementary school, or landscaping company (Believe me I have those applications out there to). This is because I feel they wanted me on first sniff, and wish to tie me down in the future, without spending the money to have me work in the role I am trained to fulfill. I see it as the sign of a selfish company that does not want to put any skin in the game on my behalf, but wants me to become attached to them; this is contrary to proper leadership which you should be willing to invest in people in a substantial manner.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 6:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 06:03:30 -0400

You take your resume and make the HR person eat it. I have not gotten my education and experience for nothing. All of you that say be thankful for the position you are offered can do so. I would move on and look else where for a job that appreciates EVERYTHING I have to bring to the table. Don't get me wrong, faith is a big part of my life, but it doesn't pay the bills. God, whoever that Mau be for you, will ensure you receive what you need. You do have to work for it though. So do not ever accept less than what you're worth.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 9 at 2015 6:55 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:55:57 -0400

If you need money for survival, take the job. If you aren't in survival mode, politely turn down the job and keep looking.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 12:19 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:19:13 -0400

I would think, if you have been looking for quite some time, you take the opportunity to get a foot in the door.

I have been there. I have been told that I am over-qualified for posistions - i.e. they didn't want to be hiring their boss. I took an "entry level" position to get my foot in the door & am using it to move up quickly.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 10 at 2015 12:22 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:22:58 -0400

My guess is that it would depend on how hungry you are? How bad do you need a job? Have you got a better offer?

To some extent, we are seeing this everyday --- people who would rather continue to collect unemployment benefits than accept a job that is "beneath" them.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 4 at 2015 10:42 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:42:51 -0400

I would deny the job offer without the insult and find a better opportunity.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 17 at 2015 1:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 13:07:06 -0400

I would assume most everyone will get insulted and deny the job offer.

Response by MSgt Roger Younce made Jun 19 at 2015 12:13 PM

MSgt Roger Younce — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 12:13:50 -0400

No. If an employer was going to offer me that I would not want work for that employer. I would ask the employer if the tables were turned would you take thaf offer?

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jul 1 at 2015 8:54 AM

SPC David Hannaman — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 08:54:12 -0400

I wouldn't be insulted, someone offering a job is never an insult, but a company that places someone in a position that they are grossly overqualified for can expect to fill that position over and over as people move on to better jobs.

Pay generally speaking goes hand in hand with contribution, and supply/demand. It's easy to fill a "parking lot attendant" position, much harder to fill a biochemist position.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Oct 12 at 2021 7:47 AM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 07:47:12 -0400

I take it most of you don't remember that Great Job Market created by the GOP under W. Oh have none of you ever talked to people who lived thru the Great Depression?? Another great GOP accomplishment. So lets ask Donnie this question. LMFAO!! He only thinks he is fit to be Dictator. So he would be insulted by anything that doesn't keep people praising him or kissing his unwiped ASS!!

The rest of us bite the bullet and put food on the table and a roof over our heads for the kids.