If you’re not applying the job fit theory to every position you’re considering, you risk accepting a job you’re not fit for. Your personality impacts everything you do. What clothes you wear, who you’re friends with, and, stay with me now, even what job is right for you! Like people, every company and job have a personality of their own. And, also like people, there are some companies out there you’re not going to mesh well with.
If you’re more intuitive, you’ll find you enjoy working better alone, or in a work from home environment as intuitive personalities are 52% more likely to be self-employed. Extroverts and introverts experience the workplace and their careers differently as well. Extroverts are generally more likely to enjoy the work they’re doing than their introvert counterparts. These personality traits and more are going to help you find the best job fit for you and your personality style.
You Need a Career Fit For YOU
Most of us have been there (and if you haven’t, DM me your secrets). We’ve all been in a job or a workplace that’s just not the right fit. You don’t know what it is, you can almost put your finger on it, but you know it’s not where you’re going to spend the rest of your career.
Newsflash: GET OUT NOW! If you think you need to get out now, you probably should; it’s never too late to find a better fit for you if it means you’ll be happier.
That being said, it’s not always the company that’s at fault for your unhappiness. Sometimes it’s the wrong fit because your personality doesn’t mesh well with the job type or because you’re in a field unrelated to what you want to do.
[40% of college grads are in positions that don’t even require a major]
When you’re looking at jobs, stop looking at what the pay is going to be and start looking at if the company’s culture is implementing the job fit theory throughout their organization. The most important thing you can look at when researching a company is if it’s the right fit for you. Often, the salary and benefits will come later as you move up. If you’re going into an interview focused on what the pay is going to be, you might find yourself unhappy and disappointed a couple of months down the road.
Not only is it essential to consider your personality when applying for a job, but it’s also equally as important to think about how your personality will impact your performance… If you’re more of a caretaker or protector, you might not perform your best in a job meant for someone who has the personality of a straight shooter or advocate. This doesn’t mean you’ll fail in a position that isn’t a fit for you, but it does mean you may be happier somewhere else.
Just, ya know, think about it a little. Are you unhappy because the company is failing you… Or are you unhappy because you chose a career path that’s not right for you?
Let Me Break it Down For You
If I’ve got you thinking, “Maybe my personality isn’t right for my position,” good! Keep reading, cause we’re just getting to the juicy stuff. Let me break down some of the personas you might be seeing in the workplace:
The Advocate
Advocates are generally empathetic to the people around them. They have a strong sense of duty even when they feel something is off, or if someone isn’t getting the credit they deserve, they want to be the ones to stand up for their coworkers and make sure things are right.
If this sounds like you, try going into a position where you can stick up for what’s right, help someone navigate their way through a problem or dispute, or even a position to help people find the right career for themselves.
The Caretaker
This is a person who wants to see that their team and coworkers are taken care of. If you’re a caretaker, you might be a little more introverted and less likely to speak out when something isn’t going the way you had envisioned. Instead, you like to be agreeable with those around you to make sure they’re happy.
Sound like you? Try exploring options in a field alight with you caretaker needs. Positions where you’re able to help someone better themselves or find what they’re looking for, are good options.
The Dreamer
Dude, you’re like, super creative. You’re able to imagine and idealize what it is you’re looking for and are probably able to see other people’s visions pretty clearly as well. If you find yourself taking charge in a business meeting and coming up with ideas while others are stuck at square one, this could be you!
If you find yourself nodding your head to this one, you might be interested in a field that will let your creativity shine. Something along the lines of writing, designing, creating new meals, or honestly, anything that allows your creative juices to flow could be a good fit.
The Go-Getter
Have people ever talked to you after a big project and mentioned how fast you got the job done or how well you powered through an obstacle? If yes, you’ll fit in just nicely with the rest of the go-getters the world has to offer. Your go-getter teammates are generally very energetic, dynamic, friendly, and aren’t easily intimidated when Jerry in accounting says he needs those reports by noon.
Employers love this personality trait in the people they’re looking to hire. As such, if you’re a go-getter, you’ll likely try to fit in wherever you end up. But, if you find yourself struggling to find your niche, try pursuing a career in management, sales, or what the heck, just go for it and be your own CEO!
We Have Just the Thing for You!
Finding a job is hard (obviously) and finding a job fit for you and, the first time is nearly impossible (don’t click out yet, the good part is coming). LUCKILY, we just came out with an app that will find the best jobs for you with just a few quizzes. Not only is that freaking cool, but it’s also the first and only app in the world doing what it’s doing. That means you’re going to be the coolest kid on the job market when you’re turning in applications to companies matched for you.
Ok, now’s the time you can click out and find the perfect job fit for your personality! Or, ya know, go back to your boring job and keep on keeping on. It’s really completely up to you.
This article was originally published here.
