The job market is in flux. For some, the challenge is breaking into a new industry. For others, it’s upward mobility—finally landing that next big role. And for many, it’s simply surviving in an environment that feels both crowded and uncertain.
For Johnathan Yamasaki, a Phoenix-based professional making a career pivot, the reality of the market hit hard. His story isn’t just about the obstacles—it’s also about the framework he used to navigate them: Candidate Market Fit.
Johnathan’s background was strong, but his next chapter was clear: he wanted to break into tech. Product management roles were especially appealing, but almost every listing came with the same barrier:
“3–5 years of product experience required.”
Even with a solid network, Johnathan quickly realized that opportunities in Arizona’s product space were both highly competitive and few and far between.
Data roles offered another possible entry point. But there, too, the market demanded specialized expertise. The message from recruiters and hiring managers was consistent: not enough years, not enough technical credentials.
Instead of dwelling on the roles that seemed out of reach, Johnathan reframed the problem entirely.
The concept that unlocked his perspective? Candidate Market Fit.
Borrowing from the startup world’s notion of product market fit—where a product succeeds only when it meets the needs of a specific market—Candidate Market Fit applies the same principle to job seekers.
“It’s not about your worth—it’s about the realities of the market.”
This shift matters. When industries face layoffs, for example, senior leaders often apply for director roles. Directors then apply for manager positions, and suddenly, competition increases at every level. It’s not about capability; it’s about supply and demand.
For Johnathan, this realization lifted the weight of shame. He wasn’t failing. He was misaligned with the current market.
Johnathan didn’t stumble into clarity overnight. He built it, brick by brick:
1. Gathering Feedback
Instead of asking recruiters for jobs, he asked for expertise: “If you were in my shoes, how would you approach this market?” Recruiters were surprisingly candid, and peers were even more insightful. Friends, past colleagues, and mentors reflected skills and strengths back to him that he hadn’t fully valued.
2. Clarifying Wants vs. Non-Negotiables
Johnathan made a list of what he wanted in his next role—and what he didn’t. That clarity became a filter, sparing him from shotgun applications and helping him focus his search.
3. Getting Specific
Instead of telling people he was “open to anything,” he narrowed his ask to something tangible and memorable:
“I’m looking for an entry-level analyst role at a Series A–C healthtech or edtech startup in Arizona—or remote.”
That specificity made introductions easier. People could actually think of companies, teams, and roles that matched.
Johnathan’s approach underscores three powerful truths:
The result? Johnathan landed a contract analyst role—a meaningful foothold in tech and a step toward his longer-term goals.
Alongside his own process, Johnathan tapped into the Freeway Network—a community designed to bridge talent with Arizona’s fast-growing startup ecosystem. For job seekers like him, the value was clear:
These touchpoints helped Johnathan sharpen his focus, build confidence, and stay connected while the market continued to shift.
Johnathan’s story isn’t finished. He’s still building toward his vision of working in tech product teams, but today he’s focused on analyst roles where his skills and the market intersect.
He’s currently seeking:
If you’re hiring—or know someone who is—consider reaching out. Johnathan has shown the adaptability, persistence, and clarity that any growing startup would be lucky to have on their team.
The job search can feel deeply personal. But Candidate Market Fit reminds us that success is about alignment, not intrinsic value. Like products, candidates find their market when timing, need, and offering intersect.
So if you’re navigating a pivot, struggling to move up, or just trying to break into a new field—ask yourself: What market am I trying to fit into? And how can I position myself clearly enough for others to see the fit too?
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