to not want to work in a supermarket ..

[Lola528]

Yes, it is very snobby of me I know, and especially right now it’s a “needs must” situation when so
many are being made redundant and don’t have much choice. The only jobs where I am right now seem to be in a supermarket or cleaning houses or offices (I’m a rubbish cleaner).

It may be petty, but I don’t want it on my CV amongst the other jobs I’ve had (aviation/travel working with major players of the industry) to then have “Asda” or equivalent as my most recent job. I just feel I have so much more to offer but nobody in my industry of choice is hiring right now (understandably).

AIBU to think this will go against me for future job opportunities? Or will future potential employees understand this is a blip of “COVID times” and not see it as a negative? Am I just being stupid?

Just don't put it on your cv. Simple.

Don't put it on your cv then if you don't wNt Tom.. I worked high up in finance and am now slogging to work nights in asda to keep our family in the green... My partner has told me she has never been prouder of me for doing it for the family....

If you are worried, leave it off your CV and call it a career break or furlough or something. Who’s going to know?

You are right that these are unusual times, but if you want to keep your CV serious, just omit your in between job.

A gap on your cv will look worse. A willingness to take any job shows your a grafter. Most employers will hire someone whos in work rather than someone who is out of work.

It would show to me as a potential employer that you're willing to work. I hate to say it but you really under estimate what goes on in a supermarket. What you think even the most menial task a person does is only part of their job.

How will you explain the gap on your CV if you omit it? Have you actually got the job yet?

I went from managerial to supermarket to fit around the kids for a few years. It gave me what I wanted at the time and I feel no shame in it. Not sure what your issue with it is? Surely it's better than looking unemployed for so long. It shows integrity and personal responsibility

Not to belittle supermarket staff, but if I were hiring a senior member of my finance team I’d find a stint working for Asda less appealing than someone who had up to date skills. So I’d still advise leaving it out. The ‘evidence you are a grafter’ thing is OK for graduates, but is less meaningful for senior professionals.

You will be in the same position as loads of people in your industry. It will hardly be a surprise to a future employer that you couldn't find a new job in the industry but still needed an income, so took what was available.

As an employer, I'd rather employ someone who wanted to be in work and was willing to turn their hand to anything. Every job has unpleasant bits and I think you can demonstrate that you don't shy away from them by taking a job that isn't your life's ambition.

Yeah I wouldn’t put it on the cv tbh either

I was made redundant due to Covid having worked in a niche bit of healthcare for 12 years and no ones hiring due to budgets but I have bills to pay. So slogging my guts in a supermarket working nights to fit around childcare. Yup it's not ideal and not my career goals. But. I'm learning new skills, which can go on my CV which I didn't get it my last jobs. I'd rather have a supermarket job listed on my CV than a gap in employment. But that's up to you.

@Sparklingbrook I’ve been offered it and can’t decide. I mean we need the money so I will more than likely accept but I’m just dejected about the whole thing.

@Bloodylovecheese I know it’s not an easy job, that’s maybe part of it, I know what I’m doing in my usual industry and scared of the unknown too

I am in a similar predicament OP and have had the same thoughts.

I’ve rationalised it by seeing the bigger picture. We’re in unprecedented times and lots of people (from all different career backgrounds) are working for supermarkets that would never have done so pre pandemic. Lots of skills are transferable and every new role teaches you something new and gives the chance to meet new people. It isn’t going to harm your CV. If you can get a job in a supermarket go for it.

I had hoped that retail staff had gained some respect after they worked tirelessly through lockdown. Hopes dashed.

@Iamthewombat

Not to belittle supermarket staff, but if I were hiring a senior member of my finance team I’d find a stint working for Asda less appealing than someone who had up to date skills. So I’d still advise leaving it out. The ‘evidence you are a grafter’ thing is OK for graduates, but is less meaningful for senior professionals.

That's utter tosh! I need to work in a super market at night to support my family after being made redundant in a finance job... Are you honestly saying she shouldn't do it as it will affect her future career chances???? Hmm yes my family are much more important than any future career chances thankyou very much..

If there were 2 candidates one had just been made redundant and had a year off and one that grafted for a year 99 times out of 100 they will pick the grafter!

I can't really see why you would leave it out and just have a gap instead. A gap wouldn't indicate up to date skills any more than a supermarket job.

If I were hiring and I saw a highly qualified applicant who had taken a job in a supermarket to make ends meet during a pandemic when work was unavailable in their ‘normal’ field, I would be very impressed and look extremely favourably on their application.

There's plenty of care work, otherwise it's slim pickings. My job search conditions from the job centre allow me to be picky for 3 months then I have to apply for anything. Seems fair to me

Id do it, and if anyone questions you in the future, use it as proof that you will do what it takes.

@Lola528 this is my current situation I've gone from working in HR to working in sainsburys. But I'm grateful I've even managed to secure a permanent job to be honest.

I went for a supermarket job recently, work in an office usually, and I didn't get the job! I have worked in a supermarket before my degree as well. If you don't want the job due to how it looks for you then make room for someone who actually needs and wants it! No offence meant either but for a lot of people supermarket work is important and valid.

A gap on your cv will look worse. A willingness to take any job shows your a grafter. Most employers will hire someone whos in work rather than someone who is out of work.

Completely agree.

@Justmuddlingalong

I had hoped that retail staff had gained some respect after they worked tirelessly through lockdown. Hopes dashed.

Not everyone is a complete twat!!

If you're still working in retail, then I'm very impressed!!!

@Justmuddlingalong

I had hoped that retail staff had gained some respect after they worked tirelessly through lockdown. Hopes dashed.

Quite.