Are You Applying for the Wrong Job?

Job seekers are often mesmerized by new opportunities, especially attractive job descriptions that promise a fulfilling career. The job search, though, is a process that requires thorough research to ensure you are not applying for the wrong job. Land a rewarding career without getting sucked into offers that may leave you less than satisfied in your professional life by determining if each position is a good fit for you personally and professionally.

It is important for job seekers to trust their guts when applying for positions, explains Position Ignition. Your job search may land you an emailed response from a potential employer that gives you hope of an offer or an interview, but it is important to analyze the tone of the response. Potential employers who send responses that seem to be computer-generated or generic should raise a red flag. Think hard about whether or not it is worth your time to interview with a company when you are uncomfortable with the tone of the response. If you do happen to land an interview, listen carefully for red flags that make you feel both physically and emotionally uncomfortable.

Do your research on companies you have connected with during the job search. Tap into your professional network to identify the mission, goals and culture of the business. A simple inquiry with a LinkedIn connection or professional who is currently working with the company or has knowledge of how the company operates can open your eyes to what it is like to work for this employer. Heed the advice carefully, and determine if the company's values match your own.

Many job seekers assume that an interview is an opportunity for an employer to assess their skills and experience, but it is also an opportunity for you to assess the company and its employees during your job search. Hiring managers who are rude, purposefully intimidating or dismissive during a job interview set the tone for the company as a whole. As a representative of the company, the hiring manager may be indirectly letting you know that the company is not the right place for you, especially if you feel as if you are not given a chance to talk about your experience, goals and career attributes. You may also want to follow up with your connections at a company when you experience something like this to assess whether or not other candidates have experienced the same type of treatment during the interview process in the past.

Professionals working with recruiters should ask questions about the company's culture, treatment of employees and opportunities for advancements. Recruiters who are tight-lipped and unable to provide information about the organization or company to aid in your job search may be sending you a subtle hint that the opportunity is not ideal for your career. Tap into your intuition, and seek out opportunities that allow you to make an impact in the industry.

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