Does this look bad? (IT job, employed, apply, interview)

[Jman136]

Hello!

Does it look bad to take a part-time job AFTER resigning from a job where job duties changed drastically? While at the part-time job, I would be looking for full-time work. Depending how fast that happened, I would have to leave the part-time job. Am I just better off to avoid part-time (if I can afford it) and only apply for full-time? Or, is it ok to do part-time while looking for full-time (education field - Teacher Aide (no contract)).

What do you all think?

[fishbrains]

It’s ok to take a PT job as an interim step. It isn’t going to matter too much either way in this case.

[Willamette City]

Absolutely do the part time. Does the part time employer know you want full time work? Is there any chance down the road for full time work with them?


Good luck!

[Eeko156]

It always looks better to be working than not working, in any capacity.

[Jman136]

Thanks, everyone! I will definitely take it (or at least interview if I get a call for it). I asked HR if there was any chance of this opening into a full-time position, but I haven't heard back. Either way, it would be a decent PT job.

Why do employers not like hiring unemployed people?

[Jman136]

It's only PT - but better than nothing. It would also allow for time to interview for FT positions.

What is a good response when they ask why I want a PT position when I was working FT? Also, how would you answer the if employed as PT, will you stay, or continue looking for a FT position?

[selhars]

I'll take the second question (since it's easiest).....

I doubt you'll be asked that, but IF you are: you tell them yes you'll stay. (even if you know you won't)
You have to look out for you. But of course you can also always tell the truth, even though that truth puts YOU at a great disadvantage.

If you tell them "no, I'd still be looking for full-time" -- then they likely wouldn't hire you in the first place. What do you want to do?.... put a sign on your chest saying "DON'T hire me. I won't stay?" and talk yourself OUT of a job?

As for the first question, you said yourself the duties of your job had changed. But of course, I'm sure you know that doesn't really explain why you resigned. People who work have their duties changed all the time. More responsibilities added, duties bait-and-switched on them....and they don't quit. They stay until they get a new full-time gig.

Hiring folks and interviewers get why people might be working part-time, while looking for full-time.
They have a harder time with applicants who quit their last job with no job lined up. It looks like you're not loyal, won't suck up certain conditions, and will quit on them also.

Of course there ARE perfectly legit reasons why people quit jobs with no new job in hand....but it can "look bad" ...which is why answering your first question is tricker than the second question. And why I left the first question to others....

[Jman136]

Originally Posted by selhars

I'll take the second question (since it's easiest).....

I doubt you'll be asked that, but IF you are: you tell them yes you'll stay. (even if you know you won't)
You have to look out for you. But of course you can also always tell the truth, even though that truth puts YOU at a great disadvantage.

If you tell them "no, I'd still be looking for full-time" -- then they likely wouldn't hire you in the first place. What do you want to do?.... put a sign on your chest saying "DON'T hire me. I won't stay?" and talk yourself OUT of a job?

As for the first question, you said yourself the duties of your job had changed. But of course, I'm sure you know that doesn't really explain why you resigned. People who work have their duties changed all the time. More responsibilities added, duties bait-and-switched on them....and they don't quit. They stay until they get a new full-time gig.

Hiring folks and interviewers get why people might be working part-time, while looking for full-time.
They have a harder time with applicants who quit their last job with no job lined up. It looks like you're not loyal, won't suck up certain conditions, and will quit on them also.

Of course there ARE perfectly legit reasons why people quit jobs with no new job in hand....but it can "look bad" ...which is why answering your first question is tricker than the second question. And why I left the first question to others....

That completely makes sense. Thanks so much for your response!