Ask anyone who is seeking a new position what the most difficult factor is in determining if they will accept or reject a new position. The answer usually comes down to the “Right Fit”.
What is the right fit and how can I find the “Right Fit” in your next position? The “Right Fit” is defined as feeling good about what you do and the recognition that what you do has perceived value to the organization.
Discovering the factors for what makes you “feel good” are critical in finding success in your new position. Likewise, the opposite is also true; ignoring the differences will lead to making the same mistakes.
So how do you find the “Right Fit”? Finding the right fit can only be accomplished through self- examination. I’d like to suggest the following exercise. Create the following three columns on a sheet of paper
What I want? |
What I don’t want? |
What I’m willing to tolerate? |
Begin your exercise by looking at your own ability to deal with change. What excites you about your work? Are you seeking to become a part of the company strategy? What are your own skills and abilities? Do you want to lead an organization or contribute to a team? What skills do you possess that are underutilized? Record all your responses under the appropriate column.
Now you are ready to look at potential companies. Review company’s web-sites and other related information to discover the values of the organization. Include information from related articles as well as the perceptions from your personal network. Compare the findings to your own and eliminate all companies that don’t align with your perception of a good fit.
The next step is to gather additional information by seeking answers to the following questions in your interviews;
- How are new hires assimilated into the company culture?
- In one year, how will I know if I’m successful?
- Who will I be working with?
- How does the company make money?
- Why is the position open?
- Why do employees stay with the organization?
- What are the core competencies of the organization and how are they evident?
- What would a typical day look like?
- What do I need to do to be successful?
After
each interview, compare the responses from your questions
to your three columns of information. Now it’s time to make
a decision. Include your gut feeling in your decision.
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Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing. Don Schmitz is a popular
speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO of Human Resource
Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration
and Human Development.
Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952 854 6040
