The Bridge Job Might Be The Best Job Search Move You Make

Hiring Manager: [Explaining their amazing culture of pizza parties and panic attacks]

What the candidate actually heres:

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Two quick tips for those that are currently #OpenToWork on this lovely Friday that might make people that are "tradition bound" cringe (maybe even mad):

1. If at all possible, don't settle for a company that your gut tells you would take a tole on your mental health.

HOWEVER...

2. If, out of necessity of paying bills and feeding yourself, you need to accept a role quickly, I want you to hear this loud and clear. That's 100% okay and can be a fantastic job search tactic as well ... here me out.

If you take a job, you now have a luxury that you might not have had (or at least not a lot of) before ... that luxury?

Being picky.

It's okay to take a job to take care of yourself AND STILL KEEP LOOKING for the "right" fit for you. Your leverage in negotiation increases when you already have a job that you don't HAVE to leave.

Again ... and louder for the people in the back ...

IT'S OKAY TO TAKE A BRIDGE JOB.

Get started. Get more settled financially. Take a deep breath. And then keep looking.

Remember, a bridge job is just that – a bridge. It's a step along your path, not your final destination. Use this time to refine what you're looking for in your ideal role. What makes you happy? What challenges excite you? What environment allows you to thrive?

While you're in your bridge job, continue to network. Keep your LinkedIn updated. Engage in professional development. And most importantly, don't lose sight of your career goals.

Bridge jobs are not a compromise of your aspirations but a strategic move towards them. They provide a stable platform from which you can leap towards the opportunity that truly aligns with your values and ambitions.

So, if you're #OpenToWork and find yourself in a bridge job, remember it's a wise and strategic step. It's a chance to regroup, reassess, and re-enter the job market from a position of strength, not desperation.

From the Author:

Hey there, I'm Greg Johnson – AKA RecruitinGreg. I've navigated (and still am navigating) the wilds of career challenges and leadership, and I'm here to share those lessons with you.

In my newsletter, 'The People Pioneer', you'll get straight-up advice and insights on job search strategies, company culture, leadership, and much more – all with a dose of real talk and humor.

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