Should I take this job if it's offered?

Danielle Simon

April 30,2023 at 12:08AM UTC

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Should I take this job if it's offered?

I got laid off last August and have been applying to jobs ever since. My job searches are usually not as difficult as this one has been--the only other times I've had this much trouble finding a job were as a recent graduate with no experience. Less than 2 years ago, I had tons of employers and recruiters who were interested. Now I apply to jobs that look like a perfect fit or maybe 90%, at least, and mostly don't hear anything/get rejection emails or get rejected after interviewing, usually with the person I'd be reporting to (also unusual for me). I do think some of the auto rejections are due to salary expectations and ATS, but some aren't.

A couple of times, I've applied to jobs after scanning the job listing and later discovered I overlooked something about the job. I mostly work in marketing departments managing their website landing pages, product pages, SEO and content, and the job in question has a title that is just like other jobs I've done, listed several websites that belong to them in the job listing and listed tasks I've done while managing websites, like A/B testing and content.

But when I looked at the job listing more closely while preparing for the interview, I realized I actually wouldn't be working with their websites at all--it's more like a social media and email marketing position, which I'm really not interested in nor particularly skilled in. When asked about strengths and weaknesses in relation to the position, I went ahead and admitted social media is not my strength. He also asked a question about email marketing, looking for 3 specific answers, and I only got one right. So, I thought that was it. I've literally had better interviews for jobs for which my skills/background are more on the money and got rejected this search cycle. He also confirmed that I would not be working with the websites.

About a week later, I got an email from the CEO saying the VP of Marketing (with whom I interviewed and would be reporting to) passed my info on to him and that he wanted to schedule an interview. I went ahead and scheduled the interview, which is coming up.

So, the problems:

Not interested in the work and don't feel qualified. Worried that taking this job will take me off the career path I want, i.e. will make it so that employers only want me for social media/email marketing jobs when I want to do website marketing (also often called ecommerce marketing, but that's also what this job calls their position). Don't like the hours--my previous job was more flexible. And it's supposed to be a fully remote job, but the VP lives in my area and HQ is in my area (but still is a long commute)--I am concerned that this is going to turn into working on site sometimes, which I don't want to do, and I kind of feel like the fact that I live near him is one of the reasons he is considering me.

But I'm worried that if I reject this, it will be several more months before I find anything else. I am not in urgent need of money, but I do feel like I need to get back to work. I did also think maybe part of my issue is my resume and decided to hire someone to rewrite it, but I got the first draft back a few days ago and was not impressed/didn't really think the bullet points were significantly different--the differences were mostly formatting, the professional statement (which felt "off" in terms of my background) and a "core competencies" section (which also felt kind of "off"). I sent the writer two examples of jobs I'd like to get to help him, and I don't think he looked at them. If I felt confident in changing my resume making a difference, I'd feel more confident in turning this position down if it were offered to wait for the right job.

Sorry for the length, but anyone got any thoughts on what they'd do in this situation? Just want different perspectives. Thanks!

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AnonymousApril 30,2023 at 1:28AM UTC
Depends on your finances. Yes, money isn't everything, but having a roof over your head is.
As you know, nothing is perfect - but if it's tolerable -- for now...
AnonymousApril 30,2023 at 12:28PM UTC
Many times employers hire in ased on aspiration. You could do the role they have, but have additional skills they lack and hope to leverage. Just a thought
AnonymousApril 30,2023 at 6:25PM UTC
Hire a better resume writer and either turn down the interview (the job is NOT what you want to do) or go on the interview and see if there is an opportunity to work on their websites.
AnonymousApril 30,2023 at 6:56PM UTC
Not directly related BUT a parallel. My friend worked in a certain area, was in a way, hoodwinked jnto working in something that would not be in that area.. she moved intra company.
The company had job cuts, she was let go 6 months ago. She has been unable to find a job ---- but no one asked about her deviation from her path in that intra company move
BUT she knows if she doesn't get back onto the path now, she will no longer have the atory or the skills.
ergo if you have to make a one off deviation, you are still going to be ok. make sure to link it as much as possible to your path though.
AnonymousMay 1,2023 at 4:22PM UTC
What I'm seeing in job descriptions these days is a bunch of clutter. So many tasks from so many varied jobs thrown together to save $. I'd listen to what they have to say, no harm there. If they mention something that you don't remember from the JD, ask, or say, that that isn't a strong skill set for you, or you'd prefer not to do that task. Or maybe, if needed, "sounds like there's a couple jobs in here." Then, if it progresses forward, you can say yes, or no about moving forward. See what you can learn. Mostly, use it for practice.
Danielle SimonMay 1,2023 at 5:47PM UTC
I'm sure about most of what I wrote. I don't see how that's unclear.
AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 1:07PM UTC
I think you should go to the interview if you have the time. In the interview you can mention something like "after talking with (insert name) it seems like my skills might not perfectly align with what you are looking for. Is there something specifically in my resume and skill set that you are interested in or that is a gap in your company?"
Also, gone are the days of a perfect resume. Once you work to get it rewritten, make sure you use jobscan before you submit it. You will likely need to make specific word changes or small format changes to get your score above 75% to get through ATS.
Lastly, network, network, network. Reach out to people at the companies that you are applying to and see if they are willing to get your resume in front of HR or submit a referral.
Best of luck!! The process is not for the faint of heart.
AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 1:29PM UTC
It doesn't cost anything to interview, you might as well go. The job market is pretty rough right now. Companies are having to close open reqs and are having to layoff people. You may want to consider if you're better off taking a job that you can do/learn reasonably well even if it's not your ideal position.
Kia HarrisMay 2,2023 at 2:56PM UTC
Interview! If offered then do a deep dive. More importantly can you do freelance jobs to maintain the experience you desire? Easier said then done most times, what does your business mind say; how would your emotional self proceed; and what does your finances and support system allow.
G MicheleMay 2,2023 at 4:22PM UTC
Its a catch 22. I just declined an interview as I know I did not have the advanced Excel skills the company was looking for. My mindset is that I need to master a skill set so I am in my comfort zone. At the same time, I need to pay bills. So I am allowing myself a pass, but will interview moving forward. It is always easier to find a new job when you have a job that pays the bills and insurance. Good luck!