Finding the Job That Fits

Posted on | October 13, 2009 | 2 Comments

Even in today’s market it’s important to be sure you find a job that is a good fit for you. A good fit, where you feel comfortable and where your talent and skills are valued and well utilized, will support both your success and the organization’s long-term success.

When job hunting, most people focus on impressing an employer. They tend to overlook that the interview is an opportunity for them to evaluate whether this job and the organization will be a good fit for them. Clients often ask me, “How do I know if the workplace is a good one? How do I know if it’s right for me?” Here’s how:

  • First, know yourself. Take a self-inventory. What are your interests, talents and skills? What kind of worker are you? Do you need quiet and solitude? Do you prefer teamwork and a busy office? What kind of balance do you have or seek to have in work and life? What would an ideal workplace look like to you? Ask yourself these questions and know what you want before you go into an interview. Then, arm yourself with a list of questions about the workplace that you want answered.
  • Second, watch how you are treated as an applicant. How an employer treats you during the hiring phase will be indicative of how they treat their employees in the work place. Notice how timely they are in response to your application, how you are invited to interview, how you are greeted, how they treat you and how comfortable you are. All of these are an indication of how the organization is run and what it might feel like to work there.
  • Third, observe the workplace. Notice what is happening around you. Look at other employees. Do they look happy, well rested, and energetic? What does the physical layout look like? Is it conducive to your work style? Does it support interactions and work flow? What’s the mood like? How are people dressed? What are they doing? Take a look around for cartoons. Often the cartoons have themes that may tell you something about the culture.
  • Fourth, ask probing questions to find out if the place and the job meet your requirements. Find out what’s expected of you, who your boss is, what their style is, who else you will be working with, what the hours are, etc. Ask about the culture and traditions. A good question to ask is about retention. How much turnover is there? Watch not just for the answer but also how comfortable the employer is with answering that question. Do they appear to be open and proud of the information or are they getting defensive?
  • Fifth, tell the truth. It’s important to tell a prospective employer about yourself honestly. They need to know who you are and what kind of an employee you will be. Being frank and open about your skills, talents and needs is an important part of being sure that you are a good fit for the employer. You want them to get a positive picture of you, but it needs to be an honest self-assessment too.
  • Sixth, ask to spend a day or half day in the workplace before you accept a position. This is a very important step. Be sure to spend time interacting with your future colleagues. Find some time to interact with them and ask some questions: What do you like and dislike about the workplace? What’s the best thing about working at the organization? What’s something you would change? What is the management style? Another good question to ask is, “If I was your best friend, what would you tell me to make sure that I am successful here?” Your future coworkers are often the most likely to give you a more accurate picture of what the work environment will be like.

Finally, find people who work at the organization through other channels and set up a time to talk to them. Get their opinions of the work environment. These are often good conversations because they are outside the interviewing process and people may feel freer to talk candidly when they are away from work.

Finding a job isn’t easy, especially in the current economic environment. And finding the right job at the right place can be even more difficult. But finding a job that fits is essential if you are going to be a happy, productive and engaged employee. It’s worth the little extra effort it takes to find out if that job is the right fit. By knowing yourself, asking the right questions and observing the workplace, you can find the job and the workplace that is right for you.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Finding the Job That Fits”

  1. Dave
    October 16th, 2009 @ 6:38 AM

    Great article Marcia.
    I learn so much about an organization just sitting in their lobby and in their cafeteria. Watching people, how they interact, the kind of energy they seem to have, etc all give great insight. I rarely have been far off in assessing the vibe.

  2. Marcia Feola
    October 16th, 2009 @ 10:20 AM

    Hey Dave!! That’s a great idea. And you do definitely get the “vibe.” We did that when we were checking out colleges as well. Sat around the cafeteria and felt the energy. Told us a lot. Same is true in the work environment. Thanks for passing the idea. Great to hear from you too!! MArcia

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