Job hunting dealbreakers: Working out what matters to you when you’re seeking a new role

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, your dealbreakers are the 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. Knowing your non-negotiables helps you decide what’s worth applying for!

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.

What are job hunting dealbreakers?

Dealbreakers can be anything from location to salary. Flexible working is a big one, 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.

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 to choose your job hunting dealbreakers

This is about more than red flags. 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 some, 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 non-negotiable in your job search. This might come at interview stage, but knowing your lowest limit is key. Be prepared to walk away - it’s hard but essential. 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 - or that them being open on socials is important to you.

Making your list of job hunting dealbreakers 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.

Expanding your job hunting dealbreakers with detail and nuance

Once you have your outline job hunting dealbreakers, it’s time to get more detailed. For example, if a dealbreaker is ‘local’, what does that mean? Write down towns and cities where you are prepared to travel to, and where you would like to work. This can help when researching companies, jobs and doing specific key word job searches.

Then consider where you will be flexible. Is it about a certain radius from your home, or more about being in a city, if you do need to commute? Does there need to be a car park? If a dealbreaker for you is part-time, how do you define that? Is part time a three- or four-day week? Could hours be compressed, and could it include weekends?

What to do when a ‘dream job’ appears but has some dealbreakers…

A ‘dream job’ or, as I also call it, a ‘magpie job’ (because it’s shiny and appealing, like the loot that Magpies steal!) can really distract you and draw you away from your dealbreakers. If you do see a job that makes you feel those ‘dream job butterflies’, check back in with your core dealbreakers. Ask yourself if the job really does fit with what you’re looking for - and if it meets your needs. Remember to consider if the job deserves your application, and if it’s worthy of your time and effort - or whether it’s not right because it breaks too many of those non-negotiables.

Are you job hunting and need help with the process, or your CV? Many of my coaching packages offer particular help with your job hunting dealbreakers. You can choose from a Power Hour all the way through to the Job Hunter or the Perfect Pivot. Your next step starts here!