Why ‘I’ll take anything” is hurting your job search

When someone says “I’ll take anything,” it’s usually because they’re under pressure. For some people, they’re unhappy in their current role and need a way out. For others, they’re out of work and need to get back into employment as quickly as possible. In both cases, the priority becomes getting a job, not necessarily getting the right one.

That reaction is completely understandable. The problem is that approaching a job search this way often leads to decisions that don’t improve the situation in the long run.

When speed becomes the main priority

When finding work quickly becomes the only goal, applications tend to go out without much thought behind them. Roles start to blur together, and it becomes harder to explain why you’ve applied for one job over another. In interviews, this often shows up as very broad answers, or a tendency to agree with everything being said about the role, even if parts of it don’t sit quite right.

Employers usually notice this, even if they can’t quite put their finger on why. They’re trying to work out whether someone understands what the role involves and whether they’re likely to stay once they’re in it. If a candidate can’t explain why the role makes sense for them, it raises questions about fit and longevity.

Taking the first offer doesn’t always reduce stress

Accepting the first offer that comes along can feel like a weight lifted, particularly if you’ve been out of work. But if the role isn’t well suited to you, that relief often doesn’t last. Candidates can find themselves feeling unsettled very quickly, or realising they’ve stepped into a situation that brings the same frustrations as before.

This doesn’t mean turning down work lightly or holding out for a perfect role. It means recognising that taking something unsuitable can create another period of uncertainty not far down the line.

Employers aren’t looking for perfect answers

Many candidates worry that being selective will make them look awkward or difficult, especially if they’re currently unemployed. In reality, employers aren’t expecting you to have a detailed career plan. What they want to understand is whether you know what sort of work suits you and why you’re interested in their role.

Being able to talk honestly about the type of work you enjoy, the environments you work best in, and the kind of support you need helps employers decide whether the role and the business are a good match for you. That’s far more useful to them than hearing that you’re happy to do anything.

Applying with intention improves how you come across

Focusing on roles that genuinely suit you changes how you come across throughout the process. Your CV reads more consistently because it’s tailored to a particular type of role. Interviews feel less forced because you’re not trying to make yourself fit something that doesn’t really align with your experience or preferences.

You may apply for fewer roles, but those applications are usually stronger, and they’re more likely to progress.

Needing a job doesn’t mean ignoring what matters

If you need a job, that’s a real and valid pressure. But it doesn’t mean your preferences suddenly stop mattering. Things like stability, predictable hours, a supportive manager, or work that plays to your strengths can have a huge impact on how sustainable a role is for you.

Taking a small amount of time to think about what has and hasn’t worked for you before can help you avoid repeating the same patterns. “I’ll take anything” might feel like the safest option in the moment, but being more deliberate about your next step often leads to a role that lasts longer and feels better once you’re in it.

If you’re struggling with your job search and not sure where to start, you don’t have to work it all out on your own. We’ve pulled together a Candidate Hub with practical, step-by-step guides that cover things like CVs, interviews and job searching when confidence is low.