How to spot a role that does NOT fit your career aspirations

Birds perched on parallel wires against a cloudy sky.

When beginning your job search it’s absolutely key to have a clear idea of why you are looking to leave your current role, and what you’re looking for in your next one.

Get clear on your three key reasons for leaving your current role.

Some of the examples could be the following:

Lack of career development/progression
Hong Kong-only business so a lack of international/global mobility
Company culture

Next, define the three most important motivational drivers for finding your next role.

For instance, the search criteria could be to find a role that has the following:

People leadership
Multinational-listed business
International career development opportunities

This list of key priorities should be the principle driver of your job search and you should assess each possible role you consider applying for, against these criteria.

Define your career

Once you’ve defined your career aspirations and put together your CV, get in touch with an expert to discuss your career plans and get their assessment of the market opportunities.

You should consider the following variables when assessing your next move:

People – Would you like to work with these people? Will they push, develop and teach you new skills? Are you the right cultural fit?
Platform – How do the products and services the company offer compare with their competitors?
Position – Does the scope of the role you are applying for match your key criteria?
Package – Is the salary and commission structure competitive?
Progression – What is the opportunity to develop your career with this next organization?

To spot a role that does NOT fit your career aspirations, go through the checklist below:

Ensure the job you are applying for matches your top three reasons for seeking a new role. For example, is it a listed Multi-National? Is the role you are applying for leading a team? Does the role or company have a track record of moving people internationally?
Do not compromise and accept something that doesn’t align with your goals and ambitions simply to leave your existing role.
Be realistic with what you’re looking for and seek professional guidance from specialist recruiters to ensure that your goals are realistic and attainable.

If the answer is ‘no’ to the questions above, you can safely say that the role is not a good match for your career aspirations. You may find yourself experiencing similar frustrations as with your current role, and look to move again.

It’s really important that if you are feeling frustrated in your current role, you understand that there are other options out there. Focus your energy and efforts on putting together a targeted action plan with relevant recruitment experts in your specific field you can help you ensure you get your next career move right.

They will have a portfolio of clients with a range of mandates and insight into each of their employment value propositions and culture’s to ensure there is a suitable fit and that you are applying for the right roles.