Working out your job hunting dealbreakers
Knowing your non-negotiables helps you decide what’s worth applying for
Job hunting can be awful. It can also make you panic. I know, I’ve been there. It’s easy to throw your CV at anything and everything and see what sticks.
But then you end up umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether it IS the right job. You go through a cycle of concern about whether, if you were offered it, you should accept. You begin a process that wastes your time and might even land you in a role that just isn’t right at all.
We’ve all been in the position of saying yes to an interview when really there are things about the role we want to run away from. It might be location, it might be the money. It might just be a feeling, deep down, in that part of our gut that we know we should trust.
Whatever the red flag, you need some dealbreakers so you don’t get to that stage at all.
Much like in dating, these are non-negotiable things you expect from a role. They are a list to have in place before you even go down the route of scrolling those job ads.
Once you have them clearly defined, it’ll help not only with the process of applying but also choosing to apply in the first place. I’m talking about an actual list of things YOU need a job ad to contain or offer to give you the green light to apply. Things it needs to showcase to be worthy of YOUR attention, your CV, your time.
Dealbreakers can be anything from location to salary. They can be keywords (I’ll say it again, but in my opinion and experience, anyone looking for ‘rockstars’ or saying things like ‘no divas!’ are a no-go).
Flexible working is a big one, too, of course. Your job hunting dealbreakers can be keywords, or requirements of the role. With that in mind, it’s important to take a step back and read the description thoroughly before applying. Are you ok with it all when your dealbreakers come to mind? Step away from the ‘skim read and easy apply’!
The aim here is to bring clarity to the job search, replacing a scattergun approach with a considered and focused job search.
And for those who are freelance or self-employed, this can all be applied to potential new clients.
Once you have dealbreakers you have keywords you might search for, too.
As well as the biggies like cash and benefits, dealbreakers can be more niche and nuanced, too. While we’re talking benefits, there’s much discussion about this on LinkedIn, and I agree with those who say that listing things like paid leave, or pension as a benefit can be a red flag. Is a work computer a benefit? A lunch break? Perhaps one for another Substack - let me know if you’re keen for me to delve into it…
The thing with dealbreakers is that they are very personal and they can change.
So, for example, this might be whether the company has certain values. (Look for brand values on their website). If they have posted recently on social media what have they said? Tone of voice might be a dealbreaker for you. As you develop in your own career, there might be fewer things you’re prepared to overlook or put up with, thus adjusting your deal breakers when job change or even promotion time comes up again.
How do you decide on your dealbreakers? It’s partly practical and partly gut instinct.
This is about more than red flags though. It’s clearly defined things you don’t want in your working life. Things you can look out for before you even send off your CV.
For me, hybrid working is a dealbreaker. Trust is a dealbreaker. You can often tell about things like this from the wording of a job ad. Trust your instincts!
Money/salary and benefits are another biggie. This might come at interview stage but knowing your lowest limit is key. Be prepared to walk away. I’ve learned this the hard way!
If you’re the kind of person who isn’t ok with tests as part of an interview that could be a dealbreaker to walk away when asked to do a test.
It might be that you don’t want to work for a company that isn’t big on social media.
Making your list means that when you see a job ad you can begin to decide if THEY are right for you, not just panicking into hoping you’re right for them.
Dealbreakers can be ignored, of course. You’re caught up in the throes of excitement at a job opening, you just HAVE to send off your CV, right? Never mind that they say you have to be in the office every day when really hybrid is your thing, or the salary is lower than think the job is worth. We’ve all been there - a bit like going on a date with someone we know isn’t really our type. The best advice I can give you in this situation is to keep the dealbreakers in mind as you go through the process. Even to the point where you have a list of them on your notepad when you’re having initial interviews.
Share your dealbreakers in the comments!
Jenny x