Applying to a new job after working 1 month at current job, bad idea?
Asked by Joe N
I'm a Chemical Engineer fresh out of college and I couldn't find a job. I took a job with a local Ethanol plant, but they wouldn't give me an engineering job. Instead they hired me as basically an operator, and paying me $28k a year. This is a far cry from the average entry level pay of $65k. I have the opportunity to apply to an engineering job, but I'm worried the fact i've only worked there 1 month will look bad. What do you think?

Best Answer:
No, I don't think it is a bad idea. If you made it for an interview, I am sure they will ask why you are leaving the position. You can say that you are looking for an advancement and challenge in your career, and that is why you have applied for the position. You took the current position because no one was hiring an engineer that time. Emphasis that you are learning from your current position but looking for more advanced learning opportunity.

Apply for the other position. Doesn't look bad. Anybody sees it on your resume, just state that you took the job because you needed a job. But it wasn't in your field. You're an engineer and not a machine operator. Anybody hearing that will definitely have no more questions about it. good Luck.
Answered by Joseph

I was an administrator in an agency for a number of years and I interviewed and hired probably a hundred people over the course of that position. I did always look at the job history, but a short term job (to me) was easily understood, as yours will be. If you'd been in the work force for 10 years and had a half dozen like that it would be different. This shouldn't be a problem. In fact, if it troubles you leave it off. It was just a month! DO give the current company 2 weeks notice. I'd say the only exception to that would be if the engineering company needs you right away for a specific project. Otherwise, it's just not fair to leave without notice. Best of luck with your new career!!
Answered by TexasRiverRat