Getting the job you really want

Scarcity of jobs is not the only reason that makes finding the right job a complex process. What often gets in the way is, in reality, good jobs. Taking a job that is generally assumed to be a good catch might mean stepping away from a desired goal. This can be an act of desperation after a period of unemployment or when the job is seen as an opportunity that cannot be missed by family and friends for its social status or remuneration.

Either way, the decision to take the job is in these cases strongly influenced with aspects that are not exactly what contributes to professional satisfaction. While the experiment might turn out positive, it is not the best way to decide on a job offer. We, as individuals, have different sets of expectations and ambition regarding our careers. The right job is the one that meets these goals. In other words, there is no job that is right in itself.

Here are a few points to consider before saying "yes" to a job offer, if you're interested in finding the job that fits you.

Open to reject

One common approach to job search is to apply for all possible opportunities, go through the interviewing process and delay making a final decision until having an offer in hand. While there is nothing wrong in this strategy, particularly in a tough economy when scoring a job — and getting any job feels like an accomplishment — it is important to keep an open mind and assess the whole package before you commit to it. Additionally, certain aspects regarding job opportunities are not revealed until the later stages in the interviewing process, so do not take your own acceptance for granted.

Know your priorities

The right job for you might not be the most popular in terms of social status or finance. It even might not come with the best package that you can get for your qualifications. However what matters is that it meets your own priorities. To start, review your current and previous experience and think of what led you to change jobs. If your pursuit of higher pay or a certain type of work resulted in disappointment, you might have been changing jobs for irrelevant reasons, and it is not worth taking one more step in a wrong direction. Ask yourself what fulfills your needs of self-accomplishment and value. The secret might be in your role within the bigger corporate culture, management style, supervision, etc. Simply examine at every aspect that contributes to your personal satisfaction with the job.

Take action

The good news is that if you already have a job offer in your hands, you're set for negotiation — if you think the overall job description and requirements fit you with the exception of a couple of points. Discuss your concerns with the employer, and you might be surprised how far a hiring manager is willing to press on your behalf if you're seen as a preferred candidate. However keep in the back of your mind whether you're planning to pull out or to compromise if your requests are turned down, and what you're willing to accept. Remember only realistic expectations can lead you to successful negotiation. If your objections are not related to the terms of employment or impossible to achieve in real life, you might be better look for another job that makes a better fit rather than suggesting unrealistic requests.

See for yourself

It might be difficult to learn everything related to the job before accepting an offer. However you don't have to take it or leave it blindly. Pay close attention to job description and investigate the areas of concern with the hiring manager. For instance, if you're worried about team management or how responsibilities are managed on a daily basis, ask a hiring manager if it is possible to embed yourself for a day or two to see how daily activities are run. You might also request to meet with the person who is in the position you're applying for or in a similar position to form a more insightful view of the job. Another approach is to be persistent to get firm and clear answers to any specific concerns, such as assessment and advancement. After all, companies have their procedures documented, it is only a matter of whether they want to share this information with a possible employee or not.

Finding the right fit