If you’ve ever taken a job just to have a job, you’re not alone.

But let’s be real: settling for a job that doesn’t fit you is like squeezing into a pair of shoes two sizes too small—you’re miserable, unproductive, and you know it’s only a matter of time before something gives.

So how do you find a job that actually works for you? One that doesn’t just pay the bills but aligns with your skills, passions, and career goals? Keep reading.

What Does a Good Job Fit Look Like?

A good fit is more than a paycheck. It’s a role that:

• Uses your skills and experience
• Ignites your passions
• Pairs you with coworkers you genuinely like working with

It’s the kind of job where you can say, “Hey, I actually want to go to work today.”

On the other side, a bad fit might pay the bills, but it drains your energy faster than a Monday morning meeting with no agenda. It’s a job where you’re either not using your skills or stuck in a culture that makes you want to hide under your desk.

Why Do People Apply for Jobs That Don’t Fit?

Here’s the honest answer: fear and uncertainty.

• Maybe you were laid off unexpectedly.
• Maybe your savings account is giving you anxiety just looking at it.
• Maybe you’re thinking, “Any job is better than no job, right?”

Spoiler alert: it’s not.

When you let fear lead your job search, you end up applying for roles that don’t align with what you actually want. And here’s the kicker—recruiters and hiring managers can tell.

How Fear Shows Up in Applications and Interviews

Ever see someone apply for a job they’re wildly unqualified for? That’s fear talking.

Kat Nelson Troyer, CEO of Jigsaw Solutions, puts it this way:

“Fear can show up in a completely random application. The kind where you look at the resume and think, ‘Are they just throwing things at the wall to see what sticks?”

It’s not a good look. In interviews, fear shows up as uncertainty:

• You can’t explain why you want the job.
• You’re vague about your goals.
• You seem unsure if this is even the right role for you.

Can you relate? I sure can.

How to Flip the Script and Own Your Search

The good news? You can shift from “I’ll take anything” to “This is exactly why I belong here.”

1. Get Clear on What You Want

Ask yourself:

• What do I love doing?
• What do I not want in a job?
• What kind of team do I thrive in?

Kat recommends starting at the very beginning of your career and asking these questions for each role you’ve held. Loved the creative freedom in one job?

Write it down.

Hated micromanagement in another?

Note that too.

This self-awareness becomes your job search compass, helping you apply for roles that fit you like a glove.

2. Build Your “Must-Have” List

Before you send out a single resume, create a non-negotiable list.

• Is salary your top priority?
• Do you need a flexible schedule?
• Are growth opportunities a must?

Here’s the magic: when you get an offer, your must-have list becomes your checklist to ensure the role truly aligns with your needs.

3. Treat the Interview Like a Two-Way Street

This isn’t just about them interviewing you—it’s your chance to interview them.

Ask questions that dig into the company’s values and culture. For example:

• “What’s this manager like to work for?”
• “How does the team live out [insert company value] in their day-to-day work?”

Kat suggests asking the interviewers if anything surprised them when they started. Their answers can reveal red flags—or confirm that this is the team you want to join.

Why Clarity is Key (Before You Hit Submit)

Kat is adamant about this:

“Do the work before you send your first application.”

Why? Because clarity:

• Improves your resume: Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description.
• Guides your applications: Stop wasting time on roles that don’t match your goals.
• Strengthens your interviews: When you know what you want, you’re more confident and articulate.

Red Flags to Watch For

Sometimes the job description itself screams “RUN.” Other times, the red flags show up during interviews.

What to watch out for:

• Inconsistent answers from interviewers: If one person says the manager is “hands-off” and another describes them as a micromanager, that’s a problem.
• Work-life balance issues: Ask directly about expectations. If they casually mention 70-hour workweeks, it’s probably not a great fit unless you’re into that.
• Vague job descriptions: If they can’t explain what success looks like in this role, they’re probably figuring it out as they go.

Your Mindset Matters

If fear and doubt are creeping in, that’s normal. But mindset is everything in a job search.

Tips for staying grounded:

• Lean on your support network: Friends, mentors, and former colleagues can remind you of your value when imposter syndrome hits.
• Develop “pocket mantras”: Positive affirmations like, “I have skills that make me a valuable asset to any team.”
• Believe you belong: Because you do.

Final Thoughts

Searching for a job can feel overwhelming, especially when uncertainty clouds your vision.

But the key to landing the right role isn’t sending out a million resumes—it’s about showing up prepared, clear, and confident.

When you know what you want, tailor your resume, and treat interviews as two-way conversations, you’re not just looking for a job—you’re claiming the role where you belong.

Want my help in finding a job that really speaks to you? Reply to this message. I am here to help you.

Becky Gosky, Founder-Jobity