Get familiar with your career values
The most important resource in any economy — or business for that matter — is its human capital. Each person has a unique, living, breathing set of skills and attributes, which exclusively belongs to them, and it is up to the individual where they decide to put them to use. That decision shouldn’t be taken lightly though, and the reason is simple: people are happier when their values align with their career. Research shows that 82% of employees believe it’s important their company has a purpose (ideally, one that contributes to society and creates meaningful work) and 70% of employees say their personal sense of purpose is defined by their work.
In this article, we share what career values are, why they are important, and how you can identify your own to experience higher levels of joy, purpose, and satisfaction in your career.
Some background
Since the Industrial Revolution, a lot has changed. Work was mostly transactional (people worked and got paid money to live, with no greater purpose required or expected), but over time, as working conditions and employee rights have improved, people have desired more. Then COVID-19 fundamentally altered the way in which people worked worldwide, across all industries.
As the pandemic continues, employees are re-examining their values and priorities, shifting their professional outlook. In fact, research suggests since COVID-19, people are craving more meaning in their work. This search for meaning has contributed to what has been dubbed the Great Resignation – a phenomenon that’s seen workers leave their jobs in droves throughout the past two years as they search for work better matched to their values.
What are career values?
Career values are personal principles that help define your ideal professional environment. They typically describe the characteristics of the workplace, role, leadership style, compensation, and work-life balance that you consider most important in cultivating job fulfillment, professional development, and success. They differ from person to person, change over time, and require your reflection to distinguish and understand.
What employers look for
When you demonstrate to a potential employer what you value, you demonstrate that you are transparent, sincere, and honest, and as such, this acts as a point of difference among other candidates. It helps distinguish you from the crowd. Employers are also interested in your soft skills (adaptability, work ethic, emotional intelligence, and teamwork to name a few) and personal experience, which adds to the story of who you are, what you have done, and your desires for the future. It gives the employer a guide of how you will fit in with the team, how you will perform professionally, and what informs your decision-making and communication style. Ultimately, an employer is seeking a candidate that aligns with that of their business.
What employees look for
Professor Martin Seligman, a leading expert in positive psychology, suggests that work offers the ideal conditions for experiencing “flow”, a state of complete absorption in what you are doing, resulting in a deep sense of satisfaction and achievement. You’ve likely heard of this concept in sports psychology when athletes describe being in “the zone”. Your job can offer the same experience when individuals can express their personal values. Ideally, your job should be challenging, but just within your range of capabilities, causing you to become completely absorbed when utilising your skills.
Types of career values
Finding a role that meets all your career values can be laborious. However, acknowledging and then asserting your personal needs can make a significant difference to your career. Take the time to consider the following tenets to determine what underpins your career values.
Intrinsic
Intrinsic values are those factors that create personal meaning within your role. They keep you motivated and engaged in your job. They are what make you want to jump out of bed in the morning. Some examples include:
- Achievement: You are motivated by reaching high-level goals
- Creativity: You desire to innovate and problem-solve within your role
- Autonomy: You thrive when working independently
- Benevolence: You want to help others and give back through your work
- Challenge: You enjoy challenging yourself through new or demanding tasks
- Leadership: You inspire teams and cultivate overall success by leading others
- Collaboration: You thrive in teams and problem-solve alongside others
Extrinsic
Extrinsic career values are those external rewards you receive for the work you perform. Some examples include:
- Compensation: The amount your employer pays you for your work
- Benefits: The benefits you receive from your employment, such as insurance, education or tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
- Job security: Being able to foster a sense of security and stability within your career
- Promotions: The possibility of future promotions is on the table
- Recognition: Receiving credit and respect for your work
- Influence: The ability to impact other people’s actions, opinions, and ideas
Lifestyle
Lifestyle career values are those factors that contribute to your quality of life outside of work. While intrinsic and extrinsic values may influence your quality of life, lifestyle values can define your work-life balance and ability to find fulfillment beyond your professional role. Some examples include:
- Support: The way that leaders and management support you as a professional
- Leisure: If your role allows enough time for you to enjoy leisure activities, relax and recover from the work week
- Location: Your work location whether working from home or distance from the office
- Family: If your work schedule and environment are family-friendly
- Diversity and culture: The ability to forge communities and diverse experiences
How to map your career values
Now that you have considered the various types of career values, the following steps will help you identify which are most relevant to you and how to apply them to your next career move to land your dream job.
- Reflection: Consider your past roles. What did you enjoy? What became professional obstacles over time? Reflect on those experiences and draw conclusions about the values that defined them.
- Make a list: Write a list of the values that come to mind when considering your past roles and as well as any other values that you feel are a priority to you.
- Top five: Consolidate your list of career values and list your top five (one being most important and five less important).
- Top of mind: Keep these values top of mind as you search for jobs. Use your values as the basis for some of the questions you ask hiring managers at your job interviews.
- Cover letter: Make mention of your career values in your cover letter so like-minded hiring managers take notice.
- Be honest: Throughout the recruitment process, be honest about your values and your priorities. Make clear what is important to you professionally and personally to find happiness in your work.
Satisfying job, fulfilling life
Great organisations create psychologically safe environments where people can bring their whole selves to work,” said the Director, Stephen Moir. Deeply passionate about career values, Stephen says a satisfying job is not possible without culture fit and values alignment because they go hand-in-hand. “More than 80% of people at senior levels are looking for a move because they either do not get on with their boss or they are not aligned to the culture of the company they are working in. It has nothing to do with their role. In my view, if this is the case. you must leave.” He added:
We have created a downloadable fact sheet with points to consider and a checklist to help you find a role that will support and motivate your passion and purpose at work.
Final Word
At Moir Group, we know people are happier when their value system aligns with their job. In fact, job satisfaction is determined more by how your values align with your work environment than by any other factor.
If you need assistance clarifying your career values, reach out to a Moir Group consultant.