Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

I graduated in December and I have sent out many resumes with only a few responses. My degree is in criminal justice. I am running out of motivation. When is it the best time to take any job, rather than to wait for an ideal one or a "real" job?

From: Anne Puricelli, Recent Grad, Northern Arizona University

ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Anne -

You're already at that point. By graduation day, you should begin shifting your focus to "near fit" positions, then gradually expand your scope.

You can always take a job that is less than ideal, gain some experience, then continue to look for your ideal job at some point in the future.

"Ideal job" as a concept should be used for your ideal goal to reach toward. But you should also remain flexible to change and adapt if it appears that this goal is not attainable or reachable, at least at this point in your career.

Job search and career development are processes that will continue throughout your professional career. Don't become disheartened if you don't achieve everything you hoped and dreamed for all at once. It takes time to grow and develop.

And remember that it's never too late to be what you might have been.