You have been looking for a job for a long time. You have narrowed down the companies you would like to work for. You learn that the only positions available are entry level. You are an experienced professional in your field. Some recruiters open the door for you; that is, if you are willing to take an entry level position. So the question is, are you willing to take the entry level position to 'get your foot in the door'?
Be careful, very careful with the 'foot in the door' decision. While some will tell you to go for it and just get yourself in the door, that may not be the best decision for you, especially if you have a lot of 'career life' left. Now, if you are just wanting to subsidize your income or are on the down side of your career, or know absolutely nothing about the area you have been offered the opportunity, this might be the answer. If you are still of the 'moving in the organization' mindset, a 'foot in the door' decision may be detrimental to your career, or at the least, detrimental to your emotional well being. Here's why it just might not be the best idea to go for the 'foot in the door' approach.
Consider first of all, there are stars ahead of you. So, unless you are the absolute superstar, those who are already embedded in the culture are likely to make a move before you. There's usually just one job opening for the role you might be hoping for. Secondly, many companies invoke a one year policy. Before a promotion, you must have been in your current role for one year. Finally, if you are an experienced professional in the area in which you accept an entry level role just to get your foot in the door, you will likely become either bored or frustrated because entry level usually equates to hands on management or lack of autonomy, structure, and very little ability to be proactive because your day is usually set for you.
If you don't have to accept the next job that comes along regardless of its level, then take the time to think about why you are accepting the job, especially if it's just to get your foot in the door. One thing that could be a caveat is if the hiring manager and you reach a written agreement that after a specified period of time, you will be moved to a higher level postion. Otherwise, take it with a grain of salt if you are verbally told 'you might be able to move up quickly'. If you do choose to take on an entry level position and you are experrienced, take the job with a clear thought of what it is and set your expectations accordingly. The job might be a diamond in the rough so you just might enjoy it. Just be realistic about the possibilities.
Comments