How to Decide if a Job is a Good Fit

Have you ever started a job and felt like it was not the right fit? Many job seekers have experienced this troubling realization – in fact, a recent survey of over 2,000 job applicants revealed that 72 percent of respondents were surprised or regretted accepting a role because the position or the company was very different from what they believed, and at least 20 percent said they would quit within a month if the new job wasn’t what they were expecting. Almost half (41 percent) said they would give the job just two to six months before leaving. 

Deciding whether a job is a good fit or not can be a difficult and stressful process, so it’s important to try to decide if a position is a good fit for you before you get to the first (or thirtieth) day of work. This can help you avoid burnout or dissatisfaction in the long run. 

Here are some things to consider when making this decision: 

Use job descriptions to your advantage

Job descriptions are the best way to gain insight into not only the role, but also the company. They provide you with the knowledge of what responsibilities you would hold, reveal how performance is measured, and can even help you validate your current skill sets.  

However, they should be approached with a critical mindset. Many job descriptions are crafted last minute, without careful consideration  – especially if the company is desperate for new talent. 

To find out if a job is right for you based on the job description, do some research on LinkedIn to view the profiles of the people who work in a similar role at the organization. Their work history, background, and qualifications can give you a realistic sense of the role and help you  evaluate your own skill level. If you find that the employee(s) seem less experienced, perhaps the role is too junior for you. On the other hand, you may notice that you are lacking in some qualifications or experience, which is a great indicator that you need to upskill or strengthen your resume. 

Job descriptions might be vague or confusing, especially with specific phrases for duties. It’s your responsibility to make sure you gain understanding and clarity about any questions you have about the role during the interview process. 

Pay attention to company culture

Company culture refers to the shared set of workplace beliefs, values, attitudes, standards, purposes, and behaviors that a company has. These are both written (mission and values) and unwritten – what employees think, say, and do as they work together.  

It’s no surprise that a company’s culture will have a huge impact on if a position is the right fit. If a company is a good fit, you’ll feel comfortable about bringing your most authentic self to work every day.  

To discover a company’s culture, pay attention to how they communicate, starting with the first initial email, and continuing all the way up into the interview and follow-up emails. After each exchange, take a moment to reflect on how you feel. Are they easy to talk to, friendly, excited, and eager to have you join their team?  

During the interview, ask the hiring manager questions about the environment, culture, and communication methods of the team and company. Ask about employee turnover and promotions – if their answers are vague, that may be a red flag. Pay attention to their body language and tone. Most importantly, consider how well you get along with the hiring manager. Would you feel comfortable working for this individual and receiving feedback? Carry over this critical analysis with any team members you interview with as well and ask if you could see yourself working with and depending on these people. Read more about “green flags” in an employer, and how to avoid a potentially bad job fit. 

Ensure that the position meets your career goals

The decision whether to accept or reject a job offer should result from a combination of your interests, values, and future goals. Think about where you see yourself in a few years – do you want to work for a recognizable brand? Do you want to progress quickly? Earn more money? Have access to training and development opportunities? Or perhaps you want a better work life balance – there are no wrong answers!  

During the interview process, share these desires and goals with the hiring manager, as this is the best way to determine whether an organization can fulfill those expectations. This may seem like a challenging or awkward conversation, but being clear and transparent about your priorities will help you make the best decision about your career. These may not align with your potential hiring manager or company, and that’s fine! It’s better to discover these roadblocks in the interview stage than during onboarding or even several years into a career where you’re unhappy.  

Work with Orion Talent to find the right job for you

Ultimately, deciding whether or not a job is a good fit requires careful consideration and self-reflection.  A new job should have you feeling excited and motivated about what’s to come. While it’s perfectly normal to feel some nervousness, a job that is a good fit for you will have you eager to begin a new chapter in your professional life. If you have any apprehension about a potential career, it’s best to give yourself some time to think it over. Asking for more time to consider a job offer is better than accepting a position that you’re not completely sure about and helps you to avoid changing your mind and quitting after you’ve started working.  

Orion Talent is committed to helping transitioning military, veterans, and industry professionals find the best career opportunities that best fit their background, skills, and preferences across every industry. Our recruiters are here to help find the best job for each individual and take care to place candidates in careers where they can grow professionally and find satisfaction. Find out more about our services and register with us today. 

Archives

RSS Feed

Subscribe to Orion's Blog