Years ago, I worked in the hospitality industry hiring people for a wide variety of positions. Job seekers frequently approached me by saying, “I’ll take anything.”

That was one of the biggest turnoffs. It wasn’t my responsibility to identify the right job for every person who walked through the door. It was their responsibility to figure that out before the interview conversation ever happened.

There is the misconception that being willing to take “anything” somehow improves your odds for being hired. Not so!

It simply makes you seem wishy-washy and uncommitted. The last thing employers are looking for is someone to warm up the seat.

Today they can afford to be choosy. They want people who know what they want and who can deliver value.

Early in the process of working together, I help my clients determine what they want, before we leap into the job market. Having clarity about their goals has a huge impact on everything they do — from what is included on the résumé, to what they communicate in a 15-second commercial, to the position they eventually accept.

Identify the components of your ideal job or work situation. Consider company size, location, products and/or services provided and values espoused (green, family-oriented, high tech, high touch, etc.)

Start with a blank sheet of paper and number it 1-25. Begin each line with the phrase, “My ideal company . . .” then describe some aspect of the best-fit organization for your talents and temperament.

For example, “My ideal company has a social conscience. My ideal company is on the cutting edge of technology. My ideal company is committed to growing.”

You get the picture. Later, you can trim it down to your top 10 most important criteria.

Next, think about the skills you most enjoy using and the specific talents you bring to the table. Take a second sheet of paper, number it 1-25 and label it “Ways I want to contribute.” Start each sentence with “I want to contribute . . .” Your ideas might include, “I want to contribute by impacting company growth. I want to contribute by increasing revenue. I want to contribute by developing new products. I want to contribute by streamlining processes.”

Post these lists where you will see them. Live with them for a week. Decide if you need to change anything, if not, use the criteria you have established to pursue those companies and positions that best meet your standards.

You will be amazed at how closely the qualities you have identified will match the opportunities that come your way.

One of my most successful clients often shared her ideal company/contribution list during information and job interviews. By sharing it with decision-makers, she made it apparent that she wasn’t willing to just take “anything.”

It was obvious that she was looking for an opportunity to make a contribution. As a result, the organization she chose to work for continues to appreciate and reward her for what she brings to the table. They scored when they hired her, and they continue to let her know they value her contributions.