Play the Match Game When Applying for Jobs

There are tons of employment options in the D.C. area, even in today’s fractured job market, but where are you putting your attention? Are you going for those that offer you the chance to do what you know best? Are you following a career path or just going for a “job” to earn a paycheck?

It’s easy to justify to yourself sending out hundreds of resumes, following every remotely possible opportunity. You are actively job hunting, right? Wrong. You are just doing stuff rather than focusing on jobs that truly suit your abilities and experience or that offer career growth. Going for jobs that are not right for you are a waste of time and energy, and if you do land a job for which you are not really qualified, you could be setting yourself up for failure.

Success is the goal. Finding a job that you may not like and may not really know how to do at any salary, for any employer, won’t get you there and may be short lived. Finding a position that allows you to shine while being paid a fair market rate (or better) to provide vital services to an employer is my definition of success and is most likely to lead to long-time employment.

Making the right match and focusing on a realistic target are game winning strategies.