Question

12 Comments

1. Cassie SpencerMay 7,2024 at 6:59PM UTC

   I think for each person and each moment we are presented with an opportunity the things that make a job perfect can shift. The first full time job I accepted felt "perfect" because of the team I would get to join and the salary. 4 years later that same team was no longer a perfect fit and finding opportunities that aligned more with the life I was seeking and the balance I was seeking became the priority.

   With each job search I find making a list of non negotiable items is helpful. What is a necessity for you when accepting a job? What are the bare minimums you need?

2. AnonymousMay 8,2024 at 12:36AM UTC

   Exactly- team dynamics change, supervisors change, YOU change- what is "perfect" today may suck tomorrow!!

   Have a list of must-have: insurance, desired field, a list of wants and a list of "no way on my life"-- hard no. (Ad might be decent and interview a joke or ad might be "necessary" and it's actually better than you expected.)

   Take it day-by-day. At the end of the day, work to live, not live to work

3. AnonymousMay 7,2024 at 7:45PM UTC

   It's really hard when you're shopping for a job to find "the perfect" job. There is no perfect, but there is "ahhh, this feels right" jobs. Those are the ones that meet your needs today. My needs have changed from hardcore work 24/7, 365 corporate till 8pm every. single. night until the security guard walked me to my car, to 20 years later, I'm like yeah, I like working from home, could care less about working so much but having time off. Each decade I think produces different needs. I like the person's idea, write down your must haves and non negotiables. Putting it on paper may help. Good luck!

4. AnonymousMay 7,2024 at 8:20PM UTC

   Don't focus on "perfect" - doesn't exist.

   Focus on priorities- commute, responsibilities, salary, benefits

5. AnonymousMay 7,2024 at 9:09PM UTC

   As I grew as a professional, I never stayed longer than 3 to 5 years at a company. I networked as second nature. I gravitated towards independent contributor roles but did head up teams when I had to. I knew I liked autonomy, independence and control. So I looked for those attributes first. I worked in film because all of those attributes flourish abd there was plenty of money being thrown around so my personal financial goals were also being met.

   I loved the independence and I enjoyed a momentum to my career that was naturally occurring. The creative environment was actually not something I liked but could usually manage because I didn't have to make that my regular work environment.

6. AnonymousMay 7,2024 at 9:59PM UTC

   Drop the word "perfect" from your vocabulary. You'll find a good job that you'll be satisfied with and the employer will be satisfied with you.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 7,2024 at 11:38PM UTC

   If there even is such a thing as a "perfect job", you're certainly not going to know that from a job posting.

   I recommend that jobseekers learn how to read a job description to determine if the position has the POTENTIAL to be a fit for them. You can't know if a position is a good fit for you until you interview, ask lots of questions, accept an offer and start working in that position.

   Having the expectation that you can know in advance is just setting yourself up for failure. There's enough rejection in the job search process - set your expectations realistically.

8. AnonymousMay 8,2024 at 5:26AM UTC

   Perfect match is non existent in real life, in a job or anywhere else.

9. AnonymousMay 9,2024 at 1:09AM UTC

   I'm not the OP, but I love your analogy!!

10. Dr. Erica WallsMay 9,2024 at 2:34AM UTC

    Great question! Your perfect match with a job begins with a clear understanding of your S.H.A.P.E. That stands for Strengths; Heart: passions and values; Abilities: skills and talents; Preferences; and Education/Experiences. Once you identify these key elements, you can unlock professional opportunities that are right for you!

11. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdMay 9,2024 at 1:32PM UTC

    In my 34-year professional career, I've only held 3 jobs. None of them have been a perfect match. My first - which I had for 9 years - is my favorite. In my time there I moved from a seasonal temp position to a full time buying assistant. It was a Christian company and I loved the focus on God and good messages. Sadly, the company was sold off without notice to her 50+ employees so I found myself out of work.

    My second job - which I had for 4 years - I came to hate. Vey disorganized, moved half way across the country for a role only to be given something different once I got to the office. It was deja-vu when 80+ people (I'm in that number) were told one day that the parent company was closing down our business. I was sad to lose the income, but immensely grateful because I truly despised the job.

    I chose to apply for my current job because I needed to work. It was in Customer Service, something I'd done for over a decade at that point. In my initial interview there were several aspects of the job I didn't like. But I took the job anyway as I knew I'd be a good fit.

    In April I celebrated the start of my 21st year here. I'm now in Sales Operations (which I really enjoy) and am one of only 15 people who've remained at the company longer than 15 years.

    Those aspects of the job I didn't like in the interview? They've never improved. But the people I work with are phenomenal. And our president/CEO takes good care of us. At this stage, I do intend to stay here until I retire. But I still come in to work thinking that this could be my last day and I'll be out.

12. Marissa RodriguezMay 9,2024 at 4:24PM UTC

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