What fits YOU? Career moves, shoes and all that jazz…

Would you wear a shoe that doesn’t fit? That keeps giving you blisters or is just plain uncomfortable? Imagine having to walk in super tight shoes, one size smaller than your normal size – ouch! ???

Or wearing two sizes bigger, where you trip and stumble and just cannot walk normally…

Why on earth would you do something like that?

Well, equally you don’t want to go for job roles that are not A GOOD FIT. You want the best fit possible, but as a minimum, you want a good fit. I often see clients – or those professionals before they commence working with me – wasting precious time, energy, confidence and focus by applying for roles that are a suboptimal fit. Even pursuing them! Why, you might ask yourself, when you will end up in pain – like wearing shoes that are not a good fit!

There are several reasons why people do that. Do you recognise yourself in any of these scenarios?

??Lack of self-awareness and clarity – in other words, you just don’t know what the best fit roles for you are

??Applying for suboptimal fit roles because you just feel you need to be applying – otherwise you beat yourself up for “not doing enough”.

??Applying and pursuing poor fit roles out of fear – your job is threatened, or you may have lost your job, so you just want to get rid of the pain and anxiety, rather than get a role that will support your growth

??You are looking to escape your current (unbearable) situation, perhaps a toxic boss, or bad team vibes, politics and maybe even bullying and harassment. So, it seems to you that ANYTHING is better than your current role and situation…

However, the danger is that you will end up in a role and environment that doesn’t suit you and therefore the very thing you are trying to escape from – will find you again!

So, what CAN you do?

When searching for a job, it's important to assess the roles for best fit to increase your chances of job satisfaction and career success. Assessing roles for best fit involves evaluating your own skills, interests, and values in relation to the requirements and responsibilities of a potential job. Here are some steps you can take to assess roles for best fit when looking for a job.

1. Identify your skills, interests, and values

The first step in assessing roles for best fit is to identify your own skills, interests, and values. This involves understanding what you're good at, what you enjoy doing, and what motivates you. Make a list of your skills and experiences, as well as your hobbies and interests. Then, consider what values are important to you in a job, such as work-life balance, opportunities for growth and development, and a positive work culture. I often use Ikigai as a coaching model in this phase of exploration with my clients, you can find more about it here.

2. Research potential job roles

Once you have a good understanding of your own skills, interests, and values, it's time to research potential job roles. Look for jobs that match your skills and experience, but also consider jobs that align with your interests and values. This may require you to explore new industries or job functions that you haven't considered before. Using keyword search as well as online resources listing various job roles and ‘families” of jobs can be very helpful here.

3. Review job descriptions

When you find a job that interests you, carefully review the job description to determine if it's a good fit. Look at the qualifications and requirements listed in the job description to see if you have the necessary skills and experience. Also, consider the responsibilities and duties listed in the job description to see if they align with your interests and values. I have a specific exercise that I use to teach my clients to analyse roles for best fit – the more roles you analyse, the closer you will get to your ideal fit.

4. Assess company culture

Another important factor to consider when assessing roles for best fit is the company culture. Look for information about the company's culture on their website, social media pages, and other online resources. You can also ask current or former employees about their experiences working for the company. Consider if the company's culture aligns with your own values and if it's a place where you can see yourself thriving. This is very important, because even if you love the job itself, if the environment is not right for you, it will not work out.

5. Consider career growth opportunities

When evaluating a job, it's important to consider the potential for career growth and development. Look for opportunities to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities, as well as opportunities for advancement within the company. Consider if the job provides the potential for long-term career growth and if it aligns with your career goals. This is increasingly difficult to ascertain in the current volatile job market and the global economic downturn, so having a medium-term career plan with option A, B and C is advisable.

6. Evaluate compensation and benefits

Of course, it's important to consider compensation and benefits as well. Look at the salary and benefits offered for the job and consider if it aligns with your financial goals and needs. Also, consider other benefits such as paid and unpaid leave /holidays, health insurance, and pension schemes. Assess this against other criteria important to you and see where your priorities are. Sometimes I see clients who focus on new challenges and growth, and as a result, the uplift in compensation comes of its own.

In conclusion, assessing roles for best fit is a vital part of the job search process, whatever your reasons for career transition or change may be. By evaluating your own skills, interests, and values and carefully reviewing potential job roles, you stand a better chance of landing a role that aligns with your career goals and provides both job satisfaction and career success.

Oh, and if you need help with any of this, message me and we will arrange a chat! ???