After the pandemic ushered massive workplace shifts, many employees have started to rethink their career priorities and tracks as reflected in the "Great Resignation"and now, "Quiet Quitting".
For those who feel stuck in a job or feel unfit for a role, it might be a case of job mismatch.
Around four out of 10 employed Filipinos have academic credentials that exceed the requirement for their jobs and are earning only 5% more despite being overqualified for their roles, a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies found.
"Job mismatches are one of the primary reasons that new hires don’t stay in certain positions long-term, which translates to high turnover rates for the company,” said JobStreet Country Manager Philip Gioca.
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Here's what you need to know about job mismatch and the signs that you need to look out for:
What is a job mismatch?
A job mismatch according to online job portal JobStreet Philippines is a situation wherein an employee's skills or educational background are not completely aligned with the skills required to be successful in a certain position.
This can have drastic consequences for both the employee and the company since it can affect outputs, productivity, and motivation.
There are two types of job mismatches: horizontal and vertical.
A horizontal job mismatch happens when a professional who studied a completely different field works in a different industry. An example of this mismatch is an employee with a nursing degree who works in marketing.
A vertical mismatch meanwhile happens when an employee's level of expertise doesn't match the requirements of the role. This can either be a case of overqualification or under qualification.
An example of this could be a licensed engineer working as a call center agent, a position he or she could be overqualified for.
What are the signs of a job mismatch?
Here are the signs that you're in a job mismatch according to JobStreet Philippines:
You don't fully use your education or actual experience
Is your current career in line with your educational background or previous work experience? If you find yourself in a job that doesn't make use of or maximize the degree you earned after several years or your professional experience, you might be in a job mismatch.
You see no growth
Is there a career track or growth track for your current role? Have you progressed professionally since when you started in your role?
While promotions may not happen yearly, it's important to have a clear understanding of your career track and the opportunities for growth and professional development available for your current role.
You are underpaid
Different job levels come with different responsibilities. While employees can bear an additional task every now and then, it might be time to rethink your pay (and role) if you find yourself permanently taking on more responsibilities for the same salary.
You are unhappy or unfulfilled
While unhappiness and lack of fulfillment can happen even in roles aligned with a professional's experience and educational background, it is also a telling sign of a job mismatch.
If you find yourself dreading work or drained even after a light workday, it might be time to rethink your career.
How to deal with job mismatch?
If you think you're in a job mismatch, here are ways how to address the situation:
Identify the mismatch
First things first, identify the mismatch in your current role. Are you overqualified or underqualified? Is it an issue of pay disparity?
Once you identify the mismatch, think of the best way for you to address it so that your career and professional goals are met.
Upskill and reskill
One way to address a job mismatch is by upskilling or reskilling to close any skills gap required for the role. This is also a way to expand one's professional expertise without starting all over again.
Read job descriptions carefully
For first-time job seekers or those who are looking to switch careers, go beyond job titles and read job descriptions carefully.
Don't hesitate to ask hiring managers about the specifics of job descriptions and what a typical day is like for the role to avoid any mismatches.
ALSO READ:
Resignation Guide: How Long Should You Stay in Your Job Before Leaving?
How Job-Hopping Can Be Good or Bad for Your Career
Bad Workday or Career Rut? Here are the Signs and How to Get Out
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