You Might be Too Picky in Your Job Search

When you’re struggling with a narrowly focused job search, consider one thing: you may not be the ideal candidate for your ideal job. That does not automatically mean you are unqualified. Many companies are highly selective and holding out for their “perfect” hire, making them reluctant to commit to another qualified candidate. Avoid passing up opportunities that seem off-base, and focus on finding positions that complement your skills, personality and work style.

Decide What You Want

A picky job search usually means you have strict standards and refuse to compromise or you have not spent enough time figuring out your end goal. Being overly critical makes you reject opportunities that do not exactly line up with your criteria, such as a specific industry or salary. When a deal breaker is driven by naive reasoning, you may even turn down an offer or sabotage an interview based on the foolish belief that better options are always available. In reality, many career paths are not neat and linear, and taking occasional detours gives you the chance to gain competitive supplemental skills that help you become an ideal hire in your intended field.

On the other hand, when your goals are vague, you fall into the same trap as employers holding out for the perfect fit without really understanding how to define it. Your job search is fruitless because you look for excuses to rule out good opportunities, such as a company’s location or lack of trendiness. In both cases, you need to think about your personality, your abilities and what environments help you thrive. Instead of focusing on a job title, ask yourself what type of work motivates you. Refine your job search by learning which companies foster a culture and hiring philosophy that naturally aligns with yours.

Focus on Skill Sets, Not Industries

If you’re not training for a narrow field, such as a dentist, be open to career opportunities in diverse industries, including volunteer organizations, job shadowing and mentorships. Evaluate your hard and soft skills to gain a complete picture of what you have to offer. Your job search may target a sales position, but the years you spent researching leads and writing business proposals to vendors may help you transition into a nonprofit role drafting proposals for grant funding.

Revise your deal breaker list. You have the right to pursue a work environment that makes you happy, productive and fulfilled, but make sure your objections are never based on an arrogant, entitled mentality. Don’t assume an impressive college or professional referral makes you a coveted candidate, as you can never be sure which characteristics or qualifications hiring managers value the most.

Personal standards are important. They help you avoid exploitative or degrading jobs, but standards can also inflate your ego and prevent you from seeing the value in a springboard position. Avoid exhausting yourself with a total catchall approach, and organize your job search around a clear set of professional development goals.

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