How to Determine if a Job is the Right Fit

Career Advice, Employee Insights, Job Seekers

How to Determine if a Job is the Right Fit

Let’s say you’re skimming the duties, skills, and requirements section of a technology job listing and everything leads you to believe that you’re an excellent fit for the position. However, there are a few things you should consider before you decide to apply and participate in the selection process. Here are several questions to reflect on when deciding if a job is the right fit for you:

Will it Help Me Accomplish My Goals?

Start with a self-assessment to uncover the deeper need that you’re interested in filling. Ask yourself, “What three things do I want to accomplish by applying for this position?” Some common motivators include acquiring better skills, increased compensation, and a more desirable work culture.

Remember that the end point of this process is not the job offer, but the professional place you’ll occupy in five years. With this in mind, evaluate the job description while thinking ahead to where you want to be in the future. Will this position put you on the route to that destination or lead to a dead end?

Am I Qualified for the Role?

Think critically about your qualifications. If you meet 8 out of 10 of those listed in the job description, should you apply anyway? Yes! You don’t need to be a perfect fit before applying and you shouldn’t rule out potential roles when you have most of the skills they are requesting.

Occasionally, some of the qualifications listed are wants, not needs, and if you have a strong desire to learn and a track record of picking up new skills quickly, you might be the ideal candidate. Be clear about what you have to offer and which information technology skills you bring to the position and let the recruiter or hiring manager see what abilities you are bringing to the role.

Does it Put Me on the Path to Success?

In addition to maintaining clarity about your qualifications and professional future, be careful not to be too dazzled by the company or the job opening that you lose track of what you’re trying to accomplish. The company may be one that you’ve long wished you could work for, so you’re willing to take whatever IT position gets your foot in the door, but doing this could lead to disappointment. You don’t want to find yourself on the job market again because the role was not the right fit.

To stay on the path to the career you want, give serious thought to where you have been successful in the past and where you have not. Do you perform best in contract positions with rapidly shifting objectives and responsibilities? Or do you thrive in direct hire situations that provide a stable and predictable workflow and environment? Do you prefer a less structured startup or a mature organization with established processes in place? Will there be room for career development and promotions? Will I learn new skills that will help advance my career? Keep these in mind when determining if the role is the right fit for your career path.

Show Them What You’ve Got

Finally, once you’ve evaluated your fit for the position, make it easy for the hiring manager to understand your “story” at first glance. They should know within seconds of reviewing your resume what you have to offer and if you have the experience and skills needed for the role. Hopefully, you’ll get to the point of an in-person interview when you can expand further upon each of your technology skills, but don’t risk losing out on a job that’s a great fit by making it hard for your next employer to see you’re the one they want.

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If you’re eager to take the next step in your career, check out our current open IT roles and apply today.

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