Career level change to land a job - does it hurt future job opportunities?

Question

I've recently learned about Fairygodboss and am in love with the platform and support from everyone!! So... here's my current question/topic of mind. I previously held a VP level role within the customer support organization of a Fortune 500 company. After a restructuring of the organization, I was let go, and we have since relocated to a smaller city. I am now considering a role which on paper looks to be a couple of steps back in my career. I think it's the right move for now (given covid, and I can't keep holding out forever for a similar leveled role). So the question is, does this reset in my resume hurt in the long run, or does it become a speaking point to address if needed?

Rose Schamberger · Answer

you can make this role better (and bigger) overtime and demonstrate how you were able to take responsibility and ownership. It can be a good opportunity to show your flexibility and how you can apply your skills to any level and make it better for the company.

Susan S. · Answer

To me it seems totally reasonable to take the job. There are going to been tens of millions of Americans who will have jobs they've taken in 2020, or gaps, on their resume that deserve to have a giant COVID-19 asterisk next to them. Without knowing you, the role and responsibilities, and the pay, I can't say for sure that you should take it, but if the only thing that's holding you back is the fear of it looking bad for the next step in your career, I think you should take it. Are there professional organizations you can join in the new city? Maybe that's a way to keep progressing in leadership while we wait for the economy to pick back up.

Anonymous · Answer

My husband took a role that I considered a step back in terms of title during covid but the pay was actually considerably more. He wasn't worried about the title at all. If you find a job that is a good fit for you now and works for your location, I would go for it. Covid is not a normal time for anyone.

Amy Randall Beltz · Answer

Hi fellow CXer! It can be hard feeling like  an opportunity is not on par with your past experience, but it might be a great chance to continue building your career story for your next role.  If your skills exceed the job requirements, you’ll knock it out of the park and have a great story to tell about your contributions and impact. You’ll probably also make an incredible mentor to your peers and thought partner for your leaders. You may also have the opportunity to grow your role once your there and can see the opportunities from the inside. If it meets your compensation requirements and you like the company and work, I’d say go for it and make the most of it.  You can continue to keep your eyes open for other roles as you get to learn the business community around you.

Tracey Hammell · Answer

Covid has caused many of us to re-think our situations. If you are offered a position that gives you the opportunity to solve problems or otherwise make a difference,  then your achievements will likely stand out above your title. It will come down to the way you present it. Being proactive, building a new network, and utilising transferrable skills in this economic climate will be admired and respected by the right employers.    Good luck!

Sheila Murphy · Answer

I know C- level people who previously have taken on a role with a lesser title to gain more experience.  You want to think about how you will position this in your online profile, resume and branding conversations.  It is your career and life-- do what you think is best for your development.

Tara C. · Answer

You can absolutely showcase that the title is the only real change on a resume. Titles are really specific to a company, and a VP in one company could be a manager in another depending on their structure. There are a lot of ways to make yourself shine on a resume beyond titles, and if you feel confident it's a good move, don't worry about what it looks like on paper. That can be refined; a resume is a marketing tool, so you will end up marketing the role as a success story!

Jennifer · Answer

I recently did the same. I am now in a job that, title-wise, is a step down to my previous position but step-up to where I want to go in the long run.

Use this opportunity to create and clarify your career vision-
1. Where do I want to be in the next 5 years?
2. Explore current job openings of those jobs that you want to be in the next 5 years - then, identify what you currently have, and which experiences you need to have to get that job
3. Work on your experiences - and if this entails a 'step down' so be it.

Make sure this job, albeit a 'step-down,' will provide you new experiences and who knows, a step to a new opportunity. Take advantage of the trainings being provided. Be open to find opportunities to consistently improve yourself . 
Having new experiences will not harm your resume as long as you highlight the new skills and experiences you have gained.

Goodluck!

Anonymous · Answer

Hey! I think it is perfectly fine to feel the anxiety about taking a position that seems a few steps back but also with today's pandemic and unknown situations, it is perfectly fine to also accept the position! I don't think this is going to hurt your resume, if you look around today, we are all having to be flexible from our home lives to our professional lives and if anything, this will show you are able to adapt to the times and make the best of a hard situation/time. Good luck in your next adventure and stay positive! :)

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you for posting this and all the advice.  I am in the same position and feel it is time to take what has been offered.  I am going from VP of Data Science to VP of Digital Marketing so the pay is less.  However, I am happy to keep my rank, stay at a local company even if it is smaller, and wait it out for a few years.  I am hoping one day I can go back to the career I had with the perks of a bigger firm.

Career level change to land a job - does it hurt future job opportunities?

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