Should I add this new job to my resume?

Question

After about 6 months without work, I finally got a job offer. The thing is that it is a much more junior position than what the rest of my resume looks like.  In this position I am hoping to grow in the company (they like to hire from within). Should I still add it to the resume?

Leslie A Strazzullo · Answer

Hi – even if the job is more junior, I would add it to your resume.   We are living through a global pandemic with millions of people out of work.  If you were able to find a job during a time of furloughs and layoffs, no company will hold that against you.  In fact, you can turn this into a positive.  Now that you are in your new role, keep your ears open for special projects and new opportunities that will help you move up.  Alternatively, if you find that there is no opportunity for advancement, you can always look for a new job.  Generally speaking, it is easier to find a job when you have one.  Good luck.

Claudia · Answer

Accepting a more junior position is easier to explain than a large career gap - add it!  These things come up as questions so often because there are a lot of managers who have issues with large career gaps (even though they should really just ask about it instead of judging).

Experience is experience, seems a shame to not include it.

Serena · Answer

It is part of your story. Tell your story and own it! Talk about how the skills are transferrable!

Krista Coutts · Answer

Yes, I would definitely add it to your resume! Especially if it is helping you use and showcase some of your 'soft skills.'

Reneé Zung · Answer

Accept the job. With ant jobs you will learn new valuable skills and remain current. I agree with all the other comments it easier to explain why you took this job during a pandemic than explain a gap in your resume. Good luck

Jessica Huynh · Answer

I'm actually in a similar position as you! (Accepted a job offer that was a more junior position than my previous one.) I don't believe it will hurt your resume in any way. If anything, I would take notes on new things I learn and up-sell that if I'm looking to get promoted/find a new job.

Alyssa N. Batchelor, M.S. · Answer

Hi there! At this point, a job is a job and even though it is a junior role, if there's opportunity for advancement in the company, you can always change your job title later.

Farah Bajwa · Answer

Its easier to be honest. Here's what's happening to me: My unemployment gap is now 1.5 years. Companies ask me about it and I tell them honestly that my last role phased out and I've completed two A.A.s while I look for a role with the right fit because that is a priority for me.  I've recently accepted an offer that I feel is suitable given our current pandemic situation and they ran a background check last week. I asked for a copy which they provided yesterday. At the last company I worked for, I hired in as a project engineer and 2 months later was promoted to Engineering manager, which meant I was the head of the engineering department.  The background check flagged this as a discrepancy. Turns out the company never changed whatever code or category and so on the backend my title is still formally project engineer despite people actually reporting to me. My point is, it may be easier to explain that you were just trying to stay afloat during the pandemic vs them thinking you were hiding it from them.

Anonymous · Answer

Before adding it to your resume, maybe accept the offer and give your best to see if it’s a good fit. Believe adding to your resume might be on the back burner.

Should I add this new job to my resume?

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