Should you accept the first job you're offered?

Accepting a new job is a BIG deal. And if you end up in the wrong position, you could potentially have a few miserable months ahead of you or a much harder time making a career transition later on. Yes, the entertainment industry can be competitive, but that doesn’t mean you should always take the first job you’re offered.

The beginning of your job search is when you should be most picky. Assess what jobs are available and make note of how many interviews you’re landing. If you’re getting called in for tons of interviews (even if they aren’t working out), you’re probably a strong candidate for the types of roles you’re applying for, so if you can financially afford to take your time with the job search, it’s a good idea to wait until a position comes along that aligns with your interests and sets you up for future success. It’s also important to consider who’s on the team you’ll be working for -- if a potential boss has a terrible reputation, you’d probably be better off passing on the position and finding a more pleasant working environment.

We understand that some people won’t have the luxury of passing on a job offer, and in that case, you’ll need to be a little more strategic about your search. If you aren’t getting interviews (and you’re 100% confident that your resume and cover letter are stellar), you may want to re-evaluate the positions you’re applying for. If employers aren’t seeing a match, perhaps you should broaden your search -- it’s possible that something you hadn’t considered before could be a better fit. 

Most importantly, go with your gut. Do your best to avoid taking a job because you’re desperate. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not the perfect job for you. It’s okay to pass on an opportunity that you aren’t excited about -- you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

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--Angela Silak & Cindy Kaplan