How to determine if a job is a good fit for you

When looking for your next role, consider how fit plays a role in securing a job that is right for you and meets your personal and professional needs.

Understanding all aspects of what a job looks like is of course important, but it is important to consider more than the job itself in making an informed career decision that will provide you with meaningful and satisfying work.

The job tasks, responsibilities, title and salary may be perfect, but you may not be happy if you don't consider other aspects of 'fit' in your job search.

We refer to a "good fit" as a connection between your personality and your chosen career where there is alignment between who you are, what you do in a job and the organisation you work for.

Personality-job fit career theories are those that I strongly align with and discuss with my clients. Reflecting on a hierarchy of needs type of approach may provide a good foundation for identifying needs and therefore aligning fit to determine whether a job is a good match for you.

Here are some things to reflect on to assess whether a job opportunity is a good fit for you when considering your needs in these areas.

• The organisation's mission, vision, goals and values.

• The workplace culture and working environment.

• Management and leadership style of your direct manager and the management team.

• Learning, professional development and career progression opportunities.

• Physical office location and travel requirements.

• Working hours and flexibility.

• Job demands (i.e. stress and pressure levels).

• Job security and stability.

• Prestige (i.e. the status of an employer and the job).

• Your strengths, experiences and areas for development.

• Your health and lifestyle needs.

• Other responsibilities you may have outside of work.

I'd suggest gathering as much information as you can on the above points and then reflecting on what you have found to understand if the job is a match for you. If any of those areas aren't aligned to your needs, consider if that is something you can compromise on for benefits in other areas. Developing a pros and cons list is a simple way to visually see what this may look like.

I'd like to finish with saying please don't be afraid to reject a job offer based on a job not being the right fit for you. We all spend a lot of time in our jobs, often more time than we see our family. It is a big commitment starting a new job as it is to leave one. It is important to put the effort in up front in your job search so you don't get into a situation where you aren't happy or fulfilled by the work you are doing, which you could have possibly avoided by investing in understanding your needs and doing research on the job and organisation. It really pays off in so many ways when we secure meaningful and satisfying work.