Indecisiveness is a Red Flag
Most job seekers think the job search starts when they hit "apply."
Wrong.
It starts long before that—with clarity.
If you don’t know exactly what you want, you’re already at a disadvantage. Before you even consider posting your resume online, engaging with recruiters, or applying to roles, you need to have a strong sense of direction. Otherwise, you risk wasting your time—and everyone else’s.
Here’s why:
The Importance of Clarity in Your Job Search
Hiring managers and recruiters are in the business of placing the right people in the right roles. If you’re vague or indecisive about what you’re looking for, they have no way of knowing if you’re actually a good fit for their opportunities.
Think about it from their perspective: Would you want to invest time and effort into someone who has no clue what they want? Probably not. That’s why indecisiveness is a red flag.
Before putting yourself on the job market, ask yourself:
What’s my ideal compensation range?
What type of work environment suits me best? (Remote, hybrid, or in-office?)
What industries am I genuinely interested in?
What job titles align with my experience and career goals?
What level of seniority am I qualified for?
The more specific you are, the better the results.
Why Indecisiveness is a Red Flag
When you aren’t clear about what you want, it creates several problems for both you and the people trying to help you land a job. Here’s why:
You’ll get lost in the process. Recruiters have hundreds of candidates to manage at any given time. If you can’t articulate your goals, you’ll get overlooked in favor of someone who can.
You’ll frustrate hiring managers. If you walk into an interview unsure about what you’re looking for, it signals a lack of preparation. Employers want candidates who are intentional about their job search, not ones who are aimlessly exploring.
You’ll make it harder on yourself. A lack of direction leads to scattered applications, wasted effort, and missed opportunities. The more targeted your job search, the more effective it will be.
A Bad Example: How Not to Approach a Job Search
Let’s say a recruiter reaches out to a candidate. Here’s how a poorly prepared job seeker might respond:
Recruiter: "What kind of role are you looking for?"
Candidate: "I’m open to anything. Just seeing what’s out there."
Recruiter: "What about compensation?"
Candidate: "I don’t know. Whatever the company offers."
Recruiter: "Preferred industry?"
Candidate: "Not really sure. Just want a good opportunity."
Immediate red flag.
This candidate has no clear direction, which makes them a risky investment. Without clarity, the recruiter has no idea where to place them, and employers will sense the lack of focus. As a result, this candidate will struggle to gain traction in the job market.
A Good Example: How to Stand Out
Now, let’s look at how a well-prepared candidate responds:
Recruiter: "What kind of role are you looking for?"
Candidate: "Senior Product Manager in a SaaS company, preferably in fintech or cybersecurity."
Recruiter: "What about compensation?"
Candidate: "Ideally $160K–$180K base, plus bonus and equity."
Recruiter: "Preferred work setup?"
Candidate: "Hybrid, 2-3 days in office, but open to fully remote."
Clear, concise, and focused.
This candidate knows exactly what they want. They have realistic expectations, a targeted industry, and a clear salary range. A recruiter will prioritize this person because they are easy to place in the right role.
Why You Need to Have This Figured Out
Not only does a lack of clarity make it harder for recruiters to help you, but it also impacts your own decision-making. When you don’t know what you’re looking for, you’ll end up:
Applying to roles that don’t match your skills or interests.
Wasting time in interviews for jobs you don’t actually want.
Accepting an offer that isn’t aligned with your long-term career goals.
A job search isn’t about taking whatever comes your way—it’s about finding the right fit. The only way to do that is by having a clear understanding of your non-negotiables.
How to Gain Clarity Before Starting Your Job Search
If you’re feeling uncertain about what you want, take some time to map it out. Here’s how:
Define Your Priorities. Identify what matters most to you—compensation, work-life balance, industry, company culture, etc. Rank them in order of importance.
Research Market Trends. Look into salary ranges, in-demand skills, and industry growth to set realistic expectations.
Update Your Resume & LinkedIn. Once you’re clear on your direction, tailor your professional profiles to align with your target roles.
Talk to People in Your Industry. Network with professionals in your field to get insights on trends and opportunities.
Practice Your Pitch. Be ready to articulate your job preferences when speaking with recruiters and hiring managers.
TL;DR
If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you’re not ready for the job market. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t want to waste time with indecisive candidates.
Before you start applying, figure out your must-haves: compensation, work setup, industry, title, and seniority level.
Be decisive. Be intentional. Otherwise, you risk being overlooked in favor of candidates who actually know what they want.
Know what you want. Then go get it.
If you’re stuck in your job search, let’s chat. This process works, and I’d love to help you make it work for you.
If you’re looking for bespoke advice, you can book a call with me here.
I also wrote an e-book that details all my advice in one spot which you can by here for just $5.