Stop! Don't apply for jobs you don't want

When you are in a job search mode, particularly one driven by unemployment, you wonder if you need to apply for jobs you don’t want. Perhaps the salary is too low for your cost of living, perhaps you don’t like the work, or perhaps the company’s reputation is not good.

How do you decide which jobs to apply to?

At this point, examine  each particular position. With the abundance of positions on multiple job boards, before you apply see if the job is right for you.

How long have you been unemployed?

Why is this relevant? When unemployed for a long time, change your standards to find work but continue to apply for positions better fitting your talents and abilities.

Are you using a value-driven, well-written resume to apply?

Sometimes, you think you can make your home-grown resume work for you. However, you may be putting out a product that no one wants to buy. Investing in a professionally written resume allows you to apply for companies not interested in the past.

Does the job fit your talents?

If you are applying for jobs just to apply, you apply for too many positions. Narrow your search to position you to be successful.

Is the salary range right for your budget?

Again, if unemployed for a long time and you used up all your resources, you reassess the positions and apply for jobs ignored in the first phase of a strategic job search. However, if you recently unemployed, use resources like glassdoor.com, salary.com or payscale.com. You can review salaries for companies you want, or a specific position, or a specific line of work.

Does the reputation of the company meet your personal ethics?

Some companies you may not want to work for because you know their reputation. If a company has a bad reputation, it isn’t likely to change when you work for them. For example, a sales professional may not want to work for a company he knows doesn’t stand behind their products.

Back to the question, should you apply for job you don’t want?

In my mind, no. If you are hired for a job you know in advance you don’t want, you will be out on the market again in the near future. Repeated job changes on your resume never look good.

What do you think? It takes a lot of confidence to stay in a job search mode when you could settle. But should you settle? Should you apply for jobs you don’t want?

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