No one likes to be told “you’re not a good fit.” It seems like empty words. But, let’s be honest. You are not going be a good fit for everyone. And, if you’re honest with yourself, you know that you don’t truly believe every job is a right fit for you.
Many of us have a tendency to see the shiny object in front of us and to insist that it’s the right thing. It’s a bit like the “bird in the hand.” You see an opportunity, perhaps someone referred you so the possibility feels more possible, and you get very focused on making it fit. Because it’s right in front of you and you need a job.
Don’t’ react. Step back and get perspective on the whole opportunity (meaning everything from the job itself, to the company and its culture, to the managers and management style).
It’s important that you’re clear the job is a fit.
What are helpful ways to know if something is a fit?
Be clear about what you offer. Know your skills and your strengths.
- Look at the position and assess how the job duties and expectations match up. Can you be successful in the job? How many tasks can you do well, now? What do you need to learn to do the job well?
- Does the work interest you? If you can’t see yourself starting the day with enthusiasm for the work, don’t go for it. If there are more things on the responsibilities list that you don’t like doing or don’t know how to do, don’t go for it.
- Does the company culture align with your values? Some people have to work in a mission-driven company. Others thrive in a start-up environment. Some of us love structure and predictability; institutional settings are a good match for us. Others love small, family-type operations. Know what you want in company culture.
- Does the management style work for you? Look at the bios and profiles of company managers. Find out what people that have worked at the company say about mentoring, promotions, and performance reviews. Make sure these people are your people.
- How will this position develop you? What will you learn? How will you grow? How will the job expand your network of connections, contacts, and organizational partners?
- If you take this job, what will you be able to do in five years? Think about how this position, the work and the company network will serve you in the years to come.
- Before you step across the line and “go for it”, make sure you also know your job fit criteria.
- Create a list of your “must have’s.” From salary and benefits, to commuting distance, work schedule and growth opportunities, it’s critical to write down what you want to be sure that you don’t settle – or react when an opportunity pops up. In addition, you need a list of wants and don’t wants.
Many of us have gotten in trouble taking jobs and clients that were not a good fit. That never feels good but it’s especially distressing when you knew before-hand that you were squeezing yourself into a box and going for it anyway.
Yes, sometimes you don’t know until you take on the job or the client. You think you will succeed in a position and company culture and it turns out that it doesn’t work out. Brush yourself off, learn from our mis-steps and sharpen your want and don’t want lists. Then add a column called: what I need to work on, because all of us have weak spots that we can attend to that will help us be more effective and successful in the workplace.
When you have a bird in the hand, make sure you have your “must have/want/don’t want” lists on hand so that you can evaluate your opportunity objectively. Be the one to know what is the right fit for you!