In a world where career paths are as diverse as the individuals walking them, understanding your core values is more than a self-help trend—it's a necessity. Your values shape your decisions, guide your actions, and influence your interactions, especially in a professional setting. Here we encourage you to conduct a values assessment and pinpoint your top values, equipping you with self-knowledge that's as valuable in an interview as it is in life.
The Importance of Values in Your Career Values are the compass that guides us in our personal and professional lives. They are the silent forces that drive our decisions, mold our relationships, and define our accomplishments. When your career aligns with your core values, work doesn't just bring success; it brings satisfaction and a sense of purpose. Identifying and understanding these values is the first step in finding a career that resonates with your inner self.
Tools to Assess Your Values
Understanding your values is not just about preparing for an interview; it's about aligning your life with what truly matters to you. We encourage you to explore these tools and take this important step towards self-discovery and professional fulfillment.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/myers-briggs-overview/
High 5 Test https://high5test.com/core-values-job-satisfaction/
CliftonStrengths Assessment (formerly StrengthsFinder) https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx
Values in Action (VIA) Survey https://www.viacharacter.org/
“While these tests are not grounded in science, the individual questions and the results may still resonate with you, or at least give you a place to start your exploration.”
Kim Johnson, career coach via Welcome to the Jungle https://www.welcometothejungle.com/en/articles/finding-your-values-to-drive-your-job-search
How to Narrow Down to Your Top 3-5 Values Once you have your values laid out from these assessments, the next step is prioritization. Reflect on which values consistently guide your decisions and which ones resonate with you the most. Consider how each value has influenced your past choices and envision how they might shape your future. The goal is to identify 3-5 core values that truly define you. Keep those handy, whether via Google Keep or other notes app.
Finding companies that align with your personal values (adapted from https://www.welcometothejungle.com/en/articles/finding-your-values-to-drive-your-job-search)
Company Websites: Companies often outline their vision, mission, and core values on their websites. This is a good starting point to gauge if their stated ideals resonate with your personal values.
Informational Interviews: Speaking directly with current employees can provide invaluable insights into the company culture and values beyond what is publicly available. Informational interviews are a powerful tool to get a sense of whether you would fit well with the company. (link to free resource)
Employee Review Websites: Websites like Glassdoor, Comparably, and Blind feature verified employee reviews that can offer a glimpse into the actual working environment of a company. While it's important to take individual reviews with a grain of salt, collectively, they can provide a sense of common themes within the company culture.
Read Between the Lines: Be aware that some negative reviews might be removed from employee review websites. Learning to read between the lines of what is shared can help you understand more about the company culture and any potential red flags.
Additional Resources:
Forbes' Find A Job That Aligns With Your Values With These 5 Steps
Harvard Business Review's Values, Passion, or Purpose — Which Should Guide Your Career?
Inside Higher Ed's Importance of Aligning Your Career and Core Values
Contact Information: For more information, personalized coaching, or any queries, please contact us at info@interviewwithadvantage.com
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