During the pandemic, the CARES Act provided additional financial assistance to unemployed individuals. In some cases, the payment boosts made unemployment more lucrative than working, causing many professionals to delay their job search.

While receiving more through the unemployment program can make it seem like returning to the workforce isn’t the best move, that isn’t the case. If you’re one of the many people trying to keep their pharmaceutical consulting careers or other professional objectives on track, here are five reasons why you should accept a job now.

Close the Resume Gap

When you’re unemployed, a gap appears on your resume. While many companies are more forgiving of gaps created by the coronavirus, re-opening procedures are well underway. In time, lengthy resume gaps will look like red flags to hiring managers once more, making it harder for you to snag a position.

By accepting a job offer quickly, you can close that gap. Plus, by keeping the amount of time you were away as short as possible, you can ensure that any future job search efforts aren’t hindered by breaks in employment.

Move on from Your Old Job

Some professionals don’t realize that they could lose their unemployment benefits if they are offered their old job back. If your last employer reaches out and wants you to return to your previous position, refusing may make you ineligible for unemployment, causing your benefits to cease almost immediately.

If your goal is to get your old job back, this might not be an issue. However, if you were hoping to move onto something better, waiting to launch your job search could mean ending up in hot water if your last employer reaches out.

Snag a Great Opportunity

Often, the best – and highest-paying – jobs fill the fastest. If you’re waiting to get your job search off the ground, that often means missing out on opportunities. Candidates who have already re-entered the market will scoop them up quickly, leaving fewer options available to you.

Ideally, your goal should be to stay ahead of the curve. By accepting a job offer now, you may be able to snag an exceptional opportunity before there aren’t any available.

Avoid the Upcoming Scramble

Waiting to begin your job search could put you in a precarious position. If your unemployment benefits end, you may find yourself with an insufficient amount of income. As a result, you could be left scrambling, causing you to have to accept the first job that comes along, even if it isn’t a great fit.

If you want to stay in control of your job search, starting now is your better bet. You’ll still have the safety net of unemployment, giving you more time to find the best position for you.

Whether you’re one of the many hoping to advance their pharmaceutical consulting careers or are striving to achieve other professional goals, the team at Alpha Consulting can help. Contact us today.