The Three Fits Framework
The Three Fits framework is designed to create clarity on whether the job you are applying for is right for you, at this particular time. It invites you to consider Content Fit, Challenge Fit and Lifestyle Fit before you apply. Acknowledging that careers are complex and rarely neat, there will be times when one fit matters more than the others, and that’s okay.
I believe you’re allowed to be selfish in your career choices. Looking out for what matters to you isn’t indulgent, it’s responsible. Noting, that what’s best for you needs to work for the people around you too so you’ll need to consider that. When a role aligns with what you value, how you want to work and where you are in your life, you’re far more likely to show up calm, confident and capable not only during recruitment but in the role as well.
Let’s take a more intentional approach using the Three Fits Framework, use these questions as your starting point.
Download a copy of this worksheet at apsrecruitmentgame.com.au
Content Fit
How excited about the work am I?
How does this role give me opportunities to use my strengths?
Would I enjoy doing this most days?
How does the work of the organisation align with my values?
How would I explain my understanding of the role to a friend.
Challenge Fit
Use the position description or any relevant Work Level Standards (E.g. For the Australian Public Service the Integrated Leadership System) to check whether the role matches your:
- broad work expectations
- expected amount of autonomy
- desired leadership responsibilities
- decision making scope
Are these aligned to where I can and want to operate?
Is the level of challenge at the right level or is it too high or too low?
Lifestyle Fit
Think about flexibility, workload, subject matter, hybrid work and any travel requirements or unpredictable peaks.
Are there restrictions around work from home or work patterns (shift work or on call) that I need to consider?
Can I picture myself thriving in this environment?
Will I be thinking about work when I’m not there and what impact will that have on my life?
Score Each Fit Area
Give each fit a score from 1 to 5, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers.
Lower scores could be for levels being too low or too high. I.e. there might not be enough responsibility or there could be too much.
1 = Very Low Fit
Significant mismatch. This role would likely be frustrating, stressful, or unsustainable.
2 = Low Fit
Some alignment, but major gaps or concerns.
3 = Moderate Fit
Reasonable alignment, with clear strengths and limitations.
4 = High Fit
Strong alignment. Most elements suit you well.
5 = Excellent Fit
Outstanding alignment. This role strongly matches who you are and what you want.
Reflection: Plot Your Three Fits Scores
Transfer your three scores onto the Three Fits triangle. Each side of the triangle represents one
dimension:
- Content Fit
- Challenge Fit
- Lifestyle Fit
Join your three scores to create a triangle and colour it in.
Interpreting Your Triangle
Once you have plotted your scores, reflect on the overall shape.
Balanced and Full Triangle
High scores across all three dimensions suggest strong alignment. These roles are usually sustainable, motivating, and developmentally healthy and you are likely to enjoy working in it if you were successful in your application.
Strong in Two Areas, Weak in One
This is common, ask yourself:
- Is the weaker area temporary or ongoing?
- Can it be managed, negotiated, or supported?
- Am I willing to accept this trade-off right now?
Reflection: Your Last Three Roles
Thinking about your last three jobs or applications
Which of the three fits were strong?
What made them strong?
What was the impact on your level of engagement?
Which of the three fits were weakest?
What made them weak?
What was the impact on your level of engagement?
You have now applied the Three Fits Framework to test whether a role makes sense for you in terms of content, level, and lifestyle, and how that aligns with where you are in your career and life right now.
This puts you in a much stronger position. Rather than applying on instinct, urgency, or frustration, you are making more deliberate choices about where to focus your energy and effort. You are choosing roles that genuinely make sense for you.
This is an edited extract from by Brendon Le Lievre. Available on Amazon.
