Keeping Your Career on Track During a Tough Job Market

In this type of job market with a high rate of employment and few positions available, sometimes it is necessary to take a job that ranges from not exactly the perfect fit to completely outside of your field. If this does happen to you, it's important to not despair or believe you're off track. You should make the position work for you in the following ways.

1) Look creatively for the transferable skills that you are gaining or building.

From day one, think about how you are going to describe this job on your resume. Focus on skills that can be utilized in your field of interest.

2) Take on projects that maximize skill sets that match your career goals and highlight the skills you already have as well as expand them.

Don't stick to your limited job description. Offer skills that you already have to solve problems or improve the bottom line of your new organization. However, be cooperative and not competitive so that you don't step on anyone's toes.

3) Cultivate a network in this new arena.

Don't get stuck with a narrow network only in your field. An opportunity can come from someone in any field.

4) Develop great references.

Always show a positive go-get 'em attitude at your new job. If you are underemployed, shine with all your skills. Do not engage in this job with a negative attitude.

5) Create a short-term plan with your long-term plan in perspective.

Don't get stuck in this position. Have a plan about how long you will stay in this position, how you will explain being in this position to network connections, what position(s) are next to get you back to where you want to be. Be sure to write out your plan and keep it visible.

6) Keep networking in your own field regularly.

Stay in touch with your professional community. You should know what's happening and be looking for opportunities - paid and unpaid - to be reconnected.

7) Do not stop applying to the positions that you are interested in.

Keep the job search going even though you are employed. You still need to be engaged in the process of searching for positions that are in line with your professional goals.

Finally, career paths are not linear. They can take all kinds of twists and turns that can be invaluable to your perspective and growth as a professional. Take a positive view of this turn and be proactive in seeing what new things come it.