JFP Library 02

You had the skills, you had the resume, you liked the interviewer. And now you're quitting because you didn't have Job Fit.

The Key to Winning Job Fit.
by John Loven

Why do employees leave their jobs? Here is HR Guru Susan Heathfield's top-ten list of reasons why people quit:

The company is failing economically.
Your relationship with your manager is damaged beyond repair.
Your life situation has changed. You need better opportunities to support your family.
Your values are at odds with the corporate culture.
You've stopped having fun and enjoying your job.
Your company is ethically challenged.
You have behaved in ways that are considered improper at work.
You've burned your bridges with your co-workers.
Your stress level is so high at work that it is affecting your physical or mental health.
You are unchallenged, need more responsibility, and seek opportunities.

Only item One (economic failure) and Three (major life change like having a baby), are not part of Job Fit. The eight other reasons all have to do with a bad fit between the corporate culture and the worker, and/or with friction between the worker and other people.

Our Job Fit profiles support a better fit between the job candidate, the job and the corporate culture at hiring and promotion time. The profile reports are also a valuable road map for team-building efforts that make diversity of skills and attitudes an asset rather than a liability. Let's look at how knowing your profile serves you.

The dictionary says "corporate culture" refers to a company's values, beliefs, business principles, traditions, ways of operating, and internal work environment. That's pretty broad, so here are some of the ways the definition plays out in the workplace:

The hours you work per day, per week, including options such as flextime and telecommuting.
The work environment, including how employees interact, the degree of competition, and whether it's a fun or hostile environment - or something in-between.
The emphasis on customer service and customer satisfaction.
The emphasis on legal and ethical regulation.
The work space you get, including aspects such as privacy, acoustic isolation, rules regarding display of personal items and shared resources.
The pace of changes in products, procedures, specifications, prices, etc.
The social component of work including break rooms, gyms and play rooms, day care facilities, and the amount of time outside the office you're expected to spend with co-workers.
The time available for, and the style of, interaction with other employees, including managers and top management.

Job Fit Profiles identify individuals who are goal-driven and independent, who will enjoy competition and who want to challenge and be challenged. Is there a need for, or a place for that in the job you're applying for? Profiles will also identify individuals who seek non-confrontational solutions to problems, are mellow, cooperative and risk-averse. Is That you? Do those qualities serve the job description?

Employers use Job Fit it Profiles to learn who needs to be part of a team, to have constant interaction with others and loves meeting strangers. Is that what you need? Will you fit? Profiles indicate who needs to be an individual achiever, enjoys working alone and avoids unfamiliar social situations. Is that a better job fit for you?

With our Profiles you'll have an objective measurement of how happy you are on a rolling log and how much you need lots of change and variety. Or you'll also know if you crave stability, regular tasks and predictable hours. What do you offer in the new job and where do you fit?

Another measurement shows who "does it by the book" and always cross-checks with the boss. By the same measurement, you�ll know who acts decisively, trusting their own judgment. Which style does the corporate culture support? And in which job description does one approach to the job - or the other - shine?

All these differences have definite value on the job. The job seeker's question is "In which job description can I thrive?" After hiring, the task is to make sure your manager knows what you're bringing to the party so he or she can support you.

The Job Fit Profile is a good tool with which to minimize seven out of the top ten reasons why people quit their jobs. The job where you'll thrive naturally is within your grasp.

-John Loven
Questions or Comments? Let Me Know.