How to Determine if Your Job is the Right Fit

February 21, 2024 JCS Career Center

(Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash.com)

By Carol Henger

Why did you accept your last job offer?

And the one before that?

Do you see a pattern? Did you accept the job for the money and quickly realize other parts of the job did not feel like a good fit?

If you did, I am not judging you. In fact, this approach drove much of my own career.

Fast-forward to the present. Now as a career coach, I want to help my clients think about a job offer differently to ensure they experience greater work satisfaction, and that involves more than just salary. In fact, I help prepare clients for a potential job offer during our first meeting together.

Why? Because it shapes how they discern each job for which they apply. Once they receive a job offer, the decision is obvious, because they have already determined their personal criteria for a good offer well in advance.

How it Works

Consider what is of greatest value and importance to you in the following categories, using the questions under each as a guide. Feel free to add your own.

Work Location

Is this position on-site, remote, or hybrid?
How far is the commute or is travel required?
Will I have to pay for parking and, if so, how much?
Would I be willing to move?

Job Satisfaction

Will I be doing something that interests me?
Does the role tap into my strengths?
Is there an opportunity for growth?
Do I agree with the company’s mission?
Will I make a difference?

Work Culture

How do I feel about the people/team who interviewed me?
Does this seem like a top-down or collaborative environment?
Will I be respected and appreciated by colleagues and management?
Do they promote a healthy work/life balance?
Can I see myself working here?

Compensation Package

Does the salary range fit my requirements and align with my skills and experience?
Is health insurance offered and, if so, what is included and what will be the cost of my monthly premium?
Are short-term and/or long-term disability and life insurance plans offered?
Do they offer retirement plans and is there an employer match?

Paid Leave

How much time off is available for vacations and sick days?
Which holidays are paid time off?
Do they offer Parental Leave?

Once you make a list, prioritize your work values by placing a number between 1 and 8 next to each item, with 1 being your most important value, something you would consider a “deal breaker” if it is not included in a job offer.

Once you receive an offer, match it to your values, but don’t forget to trust your gut feeling, too, in making your decision. Ask yourself, “Does this feel right?”

You may not receive an offer that is a perfect match, but it needs to at least hit your top job values.

While this method does not provide the powers of a crystal ball in predicting your long-term satisfaction in a new job, it sure does get you closer. I am happy to report that most of my clients who have used this method have reported positive results.

Of course, it only works well when you hold yourself accountable to your work values, especially if a larger than expected salary is offered.

Carol Henger is a career coach at Ignite Career Center of Jewish Community Services. Whether new to the job market or a seasoned professional, Ignite Career Center, a program of Jewish Community Services, can help you go further and get there faster. Our experienced Career Coaches provide individuals of all backgrounds and abilities with the customized services and tools they need to stand out from the competition.

Learn more at ignitecareercenter.com or call 410-466-9200.