During the job search, most people have high expectations for every single role that they apply to. They expect these roles to be the “perfect fit” and meet every single expectation they have set t. The truth is, that most roles won’t meet every single goal on your career bucket list.
To put this into perspective, I’ve put together a brief summary of the four types of roles most people encounter during their job search and career journey.
Baby-Step Roles
You’ll probably not love this role, and you can likely do this work in your sleep, but it’s a starting point. However, it’s essential to gain the experience or the “brand name” you need to reach your larger career goal. The good news is that you will probably advance very quickly in this role. These are the jobs you take when you “need experience to get experience,” even though they may be far from what you’ve envisioned for yourself. They will serve as a playground for you to learn the ropes of your industry/desired role.
The “titles” or job levels associated with baby-step roles might be:
- Entry-level
- Associate
- Coordinator
- Volunteer
- Internship
Stepping Stone Roles
This step is a notch above the baby-step roles. While you still probably aren’t doing precisely what you want, it’s getting you closer to your desired destination. You might become comfortable with this work because it won’t be “that bad,” but to combat that, remember your larger career goal.
You’ll be doing work that aligns more with your career goals and receive a decent salary/rate. It’s not perfect, as you might not be on the team, in the environment, or in the desired industry that you want. Although you’ll like it a bit more, it will feel like a watered-down version of where you want to be.
The “titles” or job levels associated with stepping-stone roles might be:
- Junior-level
- Individual Contributor
- Senior Associate
- Specialist
- Associate Manager
Level-Up Roles
These are roles where you’re able to grow extremely fast. You’re in your element and in an environment where you feel extra comfortable, though a few things might annoy you initially, but you can look past them. However, over time, these annoyances may become more noticeable as you settle into the role, company, or team. When those annoyances become unbearable, it’s time to start looking for your “Perfect Fit” role.
In these roles, you’ll be doing work that you care about, in an environment you want to be in, with a salary that supports your lifestyle. You’ll also have the opportunity to grow because you’ll be taking on new challenges (hence, why it’s called “Level-Up”). These roles will push you out of your comfort zone and propel you to the next level.
The “titles” or job levels associated with these level-up roles might be:
- Mid-level
- Individual Contributor
- Supervisor
- Middle Management
- Assistant Manager
- Manager
“Perfect Fit” Roles
Nothing is ever truly perfect, but these roles come pretty close, hitting all of your needs—salary, work environment, career goals, values, and more. They might seem too good to be true, but allow yourself to be happy; you’ve made it!
These roles are the stuff of dreams, a culmination of your hard work in your level-up role. You can handle the work without feeling overwhelmed, and you have the freedom to stretch yourself and learn even more. These roles not only check all your boxes but also exceed your expectations in terms of daily responsibilities, work environment, company culture, and pay. While I’ve labeled this category “Perfect Fit,” remember that nothing is ever perfect unless you are the one making the rules.
The “titles” or job levels associated with “perfect fit” roles might be:
- Mid-level
- Executive level
- Manager
- Director
- VP