Stepping-Stone Jobs

As a recruiter, I often meet talented candidates who have been out of work for extended periods. Sometimes it's six months, a year, or even longer. In many cases, this isn’t due to a lack of skills or qualifications. Instead, it’s often because they’ve been holding out, waiting for the “perfect” role rather than pursuing jobs that could be a stepping-stone to keep your career active, learning, and moving forward.

While it’s understandable to want that dream job, the reality of today’s job market requires a more flexible approach. When the economy is tight and competition for roles is extremely high, waiting too long for the ideal opportunity can unintentionally create barriers to career growth. This article explores why stepping-stone jobs can be invaluable.

The reality: the market doesn't owe you anything

It’s completely normal to feel a bit deflated, even frustrated, when faced with having to only consider less-than-ideal roles. Many of us have built expectations about what we “should” be able to achieve, and sometimes the gap between those expectations and the reality of the market can feel discouraging. But here’s the harsh and unfortunate truth: the job market doesn’t owe us anything. We’re not entitled to the perfect role or to an easy path no matter your credentials, especially in a challenging economy. You can be leapfrogged by another candidate who has slightly better technical or interviewing skills at any time. Accepting this reality can be liberating because it shifts your focus from what you think you deserve to thinking strategically about what you need to do to and this can mean settling for the roles and opportunities that are actually presenting themselves to you.

Keeping your skills sharp and relevant

Every job, even a temporary or interim one, offers a chance to learn something new. Technology and industry standards change rapidly, and there’s value in staying connected to those shifts through active employment. A stepping-stone role could mean learning new systems, developing soft skills, or working in a different industry. All of these experiences add value to your professional profile. The skills gained in any job can be repurposed, helping you stay relevant and increasing your appeal for future roles.

Building resilience and adaptability

Employers value resilience and adaptability, and taking a stepping-stone role demonstrates these traits. It shows that you can adjust your goals to navigate a challenging market, a trait that will serve you well in any position. Candidates who adapt and stay active in the workforce are often seen as flexible, resourceful, and committed to their own development. These are qualities that any employer would want in a team member.

Opportunities to expand your network

One often-overlooked benefit of a stepping-stone role is the opportunity to grow your professional network. Even if it’s not your ideal position, a stepping-stone role gives you access to colleagues, clients, and industry contacts who could open doors to future opportunities. Networking is one of the most powerful tools for career growth, and stepping-stone roles allow you to keep expanding your connections, staying top of mind for new roles as they arise.

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