Fresh graduates, listen up. How many times have you applied blindly to any job post that comes your way, even the ones that are not remotely related to your dream career? How many times have you considered taking any job available, even when the employer in question doesn’t offer anything to interest you? This needs to stop.

Even in the current economy, it is crucial for recruiters to select the right candidates. It is even more crucial for you to choose the right employer to work for. Here are some of the reasons why, ridiculous it may seem, you need to be more selective with your job search:

A wrong hire will not last

Here is a statistical fact: The average millennial worker today typically holds an employment for only less than 3 years, the Bureau of Labor reported. This shows that the younger workers tend to switch jobs more often. However, too often might not be good for your long term career. For one thing, if you switch jobs every 6 months or so, there is very little chance of growing and learning your trade. There will be gaps in your insurance and other benefits. Most importantly, the next recruiter will not take you seriously if he or she sees that you have never been committed to any other previous employer.

Just like a relationship, if it is not a good match, it simply will not last. The goal of every recruiter is finding the right candidates for their company’s needs, and also to reduce the turnover rate in their workforce (with the exceptions to contract-based positions). As an employee, it will also be in your best interest to work for an employer for a decent amount of time. If you take the job just because you need one, not because you enjoy doing it, chances are, you will leave the moment it becomes possible to do so.

A job essentially needs to turn into a career

Just picture yourself 5 years from now at the same company. Will you be happy or miserable? Will you be doing the same type of tasks, or will you be given more responsibility? Will you learn something new and take pride in your work?

If the answers are positive, it means you meet your match, congratulations.

If not, you may want to rethink your options. The truth is, when bills need to be paid, we think that any job would do. In long term, however, most people will look for more from their job. It can be a career that leads somewhere, perhaps a promotion, a raise, or more responsibilities. It can be a job that you love so much and will not mind doing it every day.

A good employer is the one that genuinely care about their employees. Things you can look for is training opportunities, a promotional path, and room to grow. Without this, often employees will become discouraged and feel like they are at a dead-end job.

Often, you come to learn more about the company only after working for them. However, there are many ways to learn about the companies by asking the right questions, or networking with the right person. Be open-minded, but set your goal to find the right employer to work for. Remember, it has to be a win-win situation for you and your employer.