Facing a Career Dilemma: Should I Accept a Recruiter Role or Wait for an HR Trainee Position?

I have completed an MBA with a specialization in HR and Marketing. I have been trying to secure a job in companies as an HR executive, but I have not had any success. As a result, I worked in a recruitment firm from September '13 to February '14. However, I had to leave that job due to some personal issues. I am now looking to join a company, even as an HR trainee, but I am only receiving offers for recruiter positions in consulting firms. My preference is to work in a corporate environment rather than in consultancies. I seek advice from experienced professionals; I need to make a decision today as I have a job offer from a consulting firm that requires me to start on Monday. The offer they have made includes a lower salary due to the gap in my employment from February to June in Patna. I am in a dilemma and would appreciate guidance on whether I should wait for an opportunity in a different company or accept the offer from the consulting firm.

In my personal opinion, you should take up the job and see if you enjoy it. Otherwise, you can always move on to another company from there. First, it is better to have a job in hand. If you can financially manage and are confident enough to convince the interviewer as to why you took a long break, then you can wait for some more time.

Thanks,
Divya

In my opinion, you should consider joining the consultancy job for now to stay engaged and maintain continuity, especially in corporates where gaps in your CV can have a significant impact. It is essential to avoid such gaps when you plan to join a job sooner or later. If you need a break or time to search for a better job, you can take some time. However, if you decide not to join this company or any other, be prepared to provide justifiable and logical answers to your interviewers in the future.

Job Continuity

Job continuity is crucial, and in my view, one should try to avoid having extended gaps in their work history.

Regards

I have gone through your query in detail. However, practically or logically thinking from an HR perspective, no companies will agree to hire a person with a career break, regardless of whether it is short or long. Handling this sensitive situation can be overcome only if it can be justified with a genuine reason, such as pursuing higher education or health constraints, if any. Blindly declaring personal reasons will sound highly unprofessional in such a situation.

Moreover, please don't ever have a mindset that you are only open to companies and not looking to join any specific consultancies. That would be a wrong approach. To simplify, what matters are your deliveries and strategies, not just the place of work. Confidence is key. Therefore, think and move in the right direction.

If you still need clarity, please share your queries via email at [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons].

Thanks,

Anand
Chief Consultant (Recruitment Services)