Should You Take a "Filler" Job While You Wait to Land Something Better?

This week I have talked to two people who accepted what they referred to as filler jobs while they looked for a solid job in their career field. It just so happens that both of these people expressed regret at their decision.

You have probably heard people say that it is easier to find a job when you have a job. This may just be more than a cliche. Let's evaluate the positives and negatives of taking a filler job.

POSITIVES

• Of course, the biggest positive is the regular paycheck that comes your way. Only you know how much money you need to pay the bills. If the filler job helps you do that, it will alleviate some of your desperation that is certain to come across in your interviews.
• When you are employed, you are naturally out talking to professionals. You can network with vendors, suppliers, customers, clients, and possibly even competitors. This will increase your referral network and may just lead to other opportunities.
• Having a job - no matter the job - will help boost your confidence that may be waning during unemployment. You will gain the confidence in knowing how to be successful in landing a job and can carry yourself with pride knowing that an employer valued you enough to make you an offer.
• You may find an opportunity to move forward with that filler company. By nature, filler jobs are jobs for which we are overqualified. Your employer may see you excelling and offer you additional opportunities within the company.

NEGATIVES

• You will have less time to dedicate to active job searching. Be sure to plan and prioritize your job search efforts so that you can continue to pursue your goal of landing a job in your career field.
• You may get comfortable and get stuck in a rut. One of the people I mentioned took a filler job and found herself in the same place 9 years later. Don't lose sight of your end goal.
• Those filler jobs may just cost you more money than being unemployed. Another job seeker took a job in outside sales and was paying more in gas and car maintenance than he was making in the sales position. Do the math before accepting the job and make sure it is the right move for you.

Three Key Ways to Avoid Unemployment Discrimination

There is a disturbing trend of online job ads that specifically require candidates to be currently employed. Although there has been talks of legislation to end these types of requirements, the fact is that there are still employers that are biased against those people who are unemployed. Here are some ideas of how you can overcome this type of bias.

Network your way into the company.
This is the best way to find a job in the current market, no matter your situation. However, if you have been unemployed for an extended period, networking becomes even more important to you. Use all types of networking such as attending job seeker networking events, using social media such as LinkedIn and Twitter, and starting your own professional blog to make connections and build your brand.

Fill your gaps in employment with experience or education.
Employers seem to have the hardest time accepting those job seekers who have been unemployed for an extended period and have no explanation for how they passed the time. Employers want to see that you kept busy, made the best use of your time, and kept your skills and knowledge current. Whenever you are unemployed, you must do something to fill in those gaps. Here are some ideas.

• Take on a contract assignment or a temporary job.
• Go to school or take just one class. Visit your local Workforce Connections office to inquire about gaining funding to pay for a certification or course in your field to boost your resume and explain your gap in employment.
• Volunteer! Try to find a volunteer or internship opportunity within your career field. This gives you hands-on experience, keeps your skills current, and allows you to make networking connections. However, even volunteering outside your career field shows that you stayed active and involved and fills the gaps in your resume.

Start your own business.
Not all businesses require large capital investments. Start your own business - even if it is outside your industry - to show initiative, business management, customer service, and marketing skills.