Core Values: Why They Matter in your Job Search
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We are guided by an internal compass, a moral code rather, that defines the decisions we make, the ways we interact, and the way we carry ourselves. Companies abide by their own versions of this, their own set of values.
When looking to further your career with a new company, it is important to ask, “Are my values aligned with this company?” or “Is their purpose, what they stand for, something I can rally behind, and embrace?” Being aware of your own values makes it easier to refine your job search to firms that align with these values.
It is important to define and articulate our core values to know why we do what we do, and what we believe in. This impacts our personal interactions, as well as our professional life and job search, and whether we are aware or not, our subsequent happiness at a new company.
Here are three steps to help define your values. However, this process requires putting together seemingly disparate puzzle pieces until finally, an image emerges. Creating a clear vision, one that defines you are at your core, requires patience, thoughtfulness, and reflection.
Write down your answers to the following questions:
Reflect back to a time when you were faced with an important decision and ask:
- How did I behave?
- How did I feel?
- What did I want?
- What was important to me?
- What was I willing to stand for?
- What did I NOT stand for?
- What was my non-negotiable?
Reflect back to a time when you were faced with a challenge in your life and ask:
- How did I behave?
- How did I feel?
- What did I want?
- What was important to me?
- What was I willing to stand for?
- What did l I NOT stand for?
- What was my non-negotiable?
Reflect back to a time when someone needed your help:
- How did I behave?
- How did I feel?
- What did I want?
- What was important to me?
- What was I willing to stand for?
- What did I NOT stand for?
- What was my non-negotiable?
Additional questions to bring clarity:
- How do my friends describe me?
- What gives me joy?
- What brings meaning to my life?
Once you’ve answered all these questions, look for common themes, phrases, and words. Circle those words, or search for other words that resonate with you.
What emerges for those words? Who emerges from those words? Which words do you feel reflect who you are at your core?
Once you have compiled this list, share it with others. Add it to your website and your resume, allowing future employers to see past what you do and rather understand who you are. Show potential employers and employees how you live by these values.
In the words of Gandhi, “Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.
*Source: Artisan Creative
