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Careerspan

Understanding your alignment score:
How similar is this role to your target?

Careerspan 101

Your alignment score tells you how closely a specific job matches your declared target role. Think of it as measuring the "distance" between where you want to be and what this particular opportunity offers. Here's what each score range really means for your career journey.

What alignment score actually measures

Unlike your fit score (which predicts your chances of getting hired), your alignment score measures how well this role matches your stated career goals. A 40 alignment score isn't "bad"—it just means you're considering a transition that involves some meaningful changes.

Breaking down the score ranges

0-40: Major transitions

0 (Totally dissimilar): These roles exist on completely different planets—different functions, industries, and success metrics. Think switching from accounting to creative writing.

20 (Tangential overlap): You'll find a few shared tasks or tools, but this still feels like a major career pivot. Maybe you're moving from sales to product management—some skills transfer, but it's definitely a big shift.

40 (Distant cousins): Still a transition, but you're staying within the same broad constellation. Picture moving from marketing to product roles—different responsibilities, but you're operating in related territory.

50-60: Manageable shifts

50 (Kindred, one step removed): This is where things get interesting. The roles are fairly similar, with perhaps one significant change in function, industry, or level—but not all three at once. You might be moving from marketing manager to product manager, or staying in product but switching industries.

60 (Solid Resemblance): You're looking at either the same sector with new responsibilities, or a different sector doing a familiar job. The core of what you do stays consistent, but the context changes.

80-100: Familiar territory

80 (Near-twin): Essentially the same role with just one or two headline differences. Maybe it's a scope change, different title, new region, or slightly different responsibilities, but the fundamental job remains the same.

100 (Exact match): Perfect alignment with your declared target role—same function, industry, seniority level, and mandate. This is exactly what you said you wanted.

Why lower scores aren't necessarily bad

Here's the thing: a 40 alignment score might actually represent an exciting growth opportunity. Career transitions often involve stepping into adjacent roles that help you build new skills and expand your expertise.

The key is being intentional about it. If you're seeing alignment scores in the 20-50 range, ask yourself:

Is this transition part of a longer-term career strategy?
Will this role help you build skills for your ultimate target?
Are you ready for the learning curve that comes with a career shift?

What this means for your applications

80-100 alignment: You're in your wheelhouse. Focus on demonstrating why you're the best candidate for this specific version of your target role.

50-80 alignment: You're considering a manageable transition. Spend extra time in your application explaining why this shift makes sense for your career trajectory and how your current skills transfer.

20-50 alignment: You're exploring a more significant pivot. Be prepared to tell a compelling story about why this change aligns with your goals and how you'll bridge any skill gaps.

0-20 alignment: This is a major career change. Make sure you're clear on why you want to make this leap and have a solid plan for how you'll succeed in this new territory.

Using alignment scores strategically

Think of your alignment score as a navigation tool, not a judgment. Higher scores mean you're staying close to familiar territory, while lower scores indicate you're exploring new professional horizons.

Both paths have merit—it just depends on where you are in your career journey and what you're trying to achieve. Sometimes the most rewarding opportunities come from roles with moderate alignment scores that push you to grow in new directions.

Next steps

Ready to explore roles at different alignment levels? Start by filtering your job search by alignment score ranges that match your current career strategy. If you're looking to grow within your expertise, focus on 60+ scores. If you're ready for a transition, don't be afraid to explore those 40-60 opportunities that could open new doors.

Curious about fit scores? See this related article.

Shoot us a message! We read these.

Understanding your alignment score:
How similar is this role to your target?

Careerspan 101

Careerspan 101

Your alignment score tells you how closely a specific job matches your declared target role. Think of it as measuring the "distance" between where you want to be and what this particular opportunity offers. Here's what each score range really means for your career journey.

Your alignment score tells you how closely a specific job matches your declared target role. Think of it as measuring the "distance" between where you want to be and what this particular opportunity offers. Here's what each score range really means for your career journey.

What alignment score actually measures

Unlike your fit score (which predicts your chances of getting hired), your alignment score measures how well this role matches your stated career goals. A 40 alignment score isn't "bad"—it just means you're considering a transition that involves some meaningful changes.

Unlike your fit score (which predicts your chances of getting hired), your alignment score measures how well this role matches your stated career goals. A 40 alignment score isn't "bad"—it just means you're considering a transition that involves some meaningful changes.

Breaking down the score ranges

0-40: Major transitions

0 (Totally dissimilar): These roles exist on completely different planets—different functions, industries, and success metrics. Think switching from accounting to creative writing.

20 (Tangential overlap): You'll find a few shared tasks or tools, but this still feels like a major career pivot. Maybe you're moving from sales to product management—some skills transfer, but it's definitely a big shift.

40 (Distant cousins): Still a transition, but you're staying within the same broad constellation. Picture moving from marketing to product roles—different responsibilities, but you're operating in related territory.

50-60: Manageable shifts

60 (Solid Resemblance): You're looking at either the same sector with new responsibilities, or a different sector doing a familiar job. The core of what you do stays consistent, but the context changes.

80-100: Familiar territory

80 (Near-twin): Essentially the same role with just one or two headline differences. Maybe it's a scope change, different title, new region, or slightly different responsibilities, but the fundamental job remains the same.

100 (Exact match): Perfect alignment with your declared target role—same function, industry, seniority level, and mandate. This is exactly what you said you wanted.

Why lower scores aren't necessarily bad

Here's the thing: a 40 alignment score might actually represent an exciting growth opportunity. Career transitions often involve stepping into adjacent roles that help you build new skills and expand your expertise.

The key is being intentional about it. If you're seeing alignment scores in the 20-50 range, ask yourself:

Is this transition part of a longer-term career strategy?

Will this role help you build skills for your ultimate target?

Are you ready for the learning curve that comes with a career shift?

What this means for your applications

80-100 alignment: You're in your wheelhouse. Focus on demonstrating why you're the best candidate for this specific version of your target role.

50-80 alignment: You're considering a manageable transition. Spend extra time in your application explaining why this shift makes sense for your career trajectory and how your current skills transfer.

20-50 alignment: You're exploring a more significant pivot. Be prepared to tell a compelling story about why this change aligns with your goals and how you'll bridge any skill gaps.

0-20 alignment: This is a major career change. Make sure you're clear on why you want to make this leap and have a solid plan for how you'll succeed in this new territory.

Using alignment scores strategically

Think of your alignment score as a navigation tool, not a judgment. Higher scores mean you're staying close to familiar territory, while lower scores indicate you're exploring new professional horizons.

Both paths have merit—it just depends on where you are in your career journey and what you're trying to achieve. Sometimes the most rewarding opportunities come from roles with moderate alignment scores that push you to grow in new directions.

Next steps

Curious about fit scores? See this related article.

More questions? Comments?

More questions? Comments?

Shoot us a message! We read these.

Shoot us a message! We read these.

Understanding your alignment score: How similar is this role to your target?

Careerspan 101

Careerspan 101

Your alignment score tells you how closely a specific job matches your declared target role. Think of it as measuring the "distance" between where you want to be and what this particular opportunity offers. Here's what each score range really means for your career journey.

Your alignment score tells you how closely a specific job matches your declared target role. Think of it as measuring the "distance" between where you want to be and what this particular opportunity offers. Here's what each score range really means for your career journey.

What alignment score actually measures

Unlike your fit score (which predicts your chances of getting hired), your alignment score measures how well this role matches your stated career goals. A 40 alignment score isn't "bad"—it just means you're considering a transition that involves some meaningful changes.

Unlike your fit score (which predicts your chances of getting hired), your alignment score measures how well this role matches your stated career goals. A 40 alignment score isn't "bad"—it just means you're considering a transition that involves some meaningful changes.

Breaking down the score ranges

0-40: Major transitions

0 (Totally dissimilar): These roles exist on completely different planets—different functions, industries, and success metrics. Think switching from accounting to creative writing.

20 (Tangential overlap): You'll find a few shared tasks or tools, but this still feels like a major career pivot. Maybe you're moving from sales to product management—some skills transfer, but it's definitely a big shift.

40 (Distant cousins): Still a transition, but you're staying within the same broad constellation. Picture moving from marketing to product roles—different responsibilities, but you're operating in related territory.

50-60: Manageable shifts

60 (Solid Resemblance): You're looking at either the same sector with new responsibilities, or a different sector doing a familiar job. The core of what you do stays consistent, but the context changes.

80-100: Familiar territory

80 (Near-twin): Essentially the same role with just one or two headline differences. Maybe it's a scope change, different title, new region, or slightly different responsibilities, but the fundamental job remains the same.

100 (Exact match): Perfect alignment with your declared target role—same function, industry, seniority level, and mandate. This is exactly what you said you wanted.

Why lower scores aren't necessarily bad

Here's the thing: a 40 alignment score might actually represent an exciting growth opportunity. Career transitions often involve stepping into adjacent roles that help you build new skills and expand your expertise.

The key is being intentional about it. If you're seeing alignment scores in the 20-50 range, ask yourself:

Is this transition part of a longer-term career strategy?

Will this role help you build skills for your ultimate target?

Are you ready for the learning curve that comes with a career shift?

What this means for your applications

80-100 alignment: You're in your wheelhouse. Focus on demonstrating why you're the best candidate for this specific version of your target role.

50-80 alignment: You're considering a manageable transition. Spend extra time in your application explaining why this shift makes sense for your career trajectory and how your current skills transfer.

20-50 alignment: You're exploring a more significant pivot. Be prepared to tell a compelling story about why this change aligns with your goals and how you'll bridge any skill gaps.

0-20 alignment: This is a major career change. Make sure you're clear on why you want to make this leap and have a solid plan for how you'll succeed in this new territory.

Using alignment scores strategically

Think of your alignment score as a navigation tool, not a judgment. Higher scores mean you're staying close to familiar territory, while lower scores indicate you're exploring new professional horizons.

Both paths have merit—it just depends on where you are in your career journey and what you're trying to achieve. Sometimes the most rewarding opportunities come from roles with moderate alignment scores that push you to grow in new directions.

Next steps

Curious about fit scores? See this related article.

More questions? Comments?

More questions? Comments?

Shoot us a message! We read these.

Shoot us a message! We read these.

Understanding your alignment score:
How similar is this role to your target?