It’s all about shared values and here are some things to consider to answer an important question we often forget to ask - is the employer right for me?
Tips for knowing if an employer is a good fit for you:
Start by identifying your own values.
- Make a list of the jobs where you felt the most satisfied and why to help you further understand what you enjoy and what doesn’t suit you.
- Look at the organisations that you enjoyed working for and ask yourself ‘why?’
- Write a list of all the values that you feel represent you in some way.
- Prioritise your top five as core values - they should be ones you can't live without.
Next, research your desired company:
- Check the company website and look at ‘Who we are’ and the ‘Our Values’ section.
- Look for similar values that are high on your list to see if there's alignment.
- Look up the company on Linkedin - you know someone in your network who has either worked or works there who could give you some insights
- Do a social media search to see what other employees or customers have reviewed or mentioned about the organisation. You should start to see a pattern of behaviour.
Can you see an alignment? If so, trust your gut. It will not lead you astray when it's about what's best for you and commit to embracing these values.
Values drive your approach to work and self-motivation.
Why are shared values important?
By being clear on the company’s values you can optimise your involvement in the organisation and ensure you strategically contribute to the company’s big picture, moving towards the same goal, this is ‘Value Alignment’.
Like how we make individual connections, we all have values that define us to our core. When we choose friends in life, we look for similar values, either consciously or subconsciously. We want to connect on a level that we know is consistent and relatable.
It's important that employees are familiar with the company's values, share them and agree to abide by them. So many employers we work with at Community Corporate ask us to match job seekers through values alignment as the number one prerequisite.
When the organisation's values are aligned with your own personal values you will be motivated to perform to your highest level.