11 Questions to Ask Yourself to Determine If the Job is Right For You

Full disclosure: I am so tired of sitting in interviews with candidates who clearly don’t want to work for me, didn’t read our job listing and are just generally not interested in what my company has to offer. Why are they wasting their time and my time sitting in front of me? Okay, vent session, over!

But seriously, you can easily tell when someone isn’t really listening to you. They sit there and nod like a bobblehead, clearly glazed over, and don’t connect with anything you say. Maybe most people want a job they are passionate about — they aren’t just looking for a paycheck — but I have met plenty of people who have shown that that’s not the case. 

If you realize a job isn’t for you, don’t go to the interview. Even better? Don’t waste your time applying to positions you already know you don’t want. Going through the motions of an exhausting job search doesn’t help you. Instead, do your research and apply for positions that challenge you. Apply at companies you find extremely interesting, where you can get behind the mission, and where you could see yourself growing with the company.

Ask yourself these questions if you want to get clear on whether or not applying or interviewing at a particular job is the right fit for you. Really push yourself to honestly review an opportunity and determine if you are interested in pursuing the conversation further. And if you aren’t — that’s okay too!

1. Do I really want this opportunity?
2. Do I understand what a day-to-day at this job entails?
3. If someone asked me to list 5 things I’d be responsible for, could I do those things day after day?
4. What would the long-term goal of my time and hard-work be?
5. Am I excited or passionate about that end goal or final result?
6. What are my strongest skills? Does this job encourage me to use and refine those skills?
7. Knowing myself and what I’m looking for, is this the best environment for me? Is this a workplace where I could thrive?
8. What are the growth opportunities within this position, team, and company?
9. Would I be paid reasonably for this job?
10. Are there opportunities for growth?
11. Is this what I came here to do?

Feel any clearer on whether or not the job is for you? Hopefully, now you know either way! However, if you review these questions and find that you just aren’t sure, go in for the interview. Make the goal of the interview to get clear. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions! After the interview, it’s time to decide. The choice is yours! (No pressure.)