2 Key Ways to Ensure A Company's Values Align With Yours
Let's face it, it's not easy to find work where you feel genuinely happy with your job. That's largely because many people don't know how to find a company that manages to have similar, or even same, values as theirs. Here are a few quick ways to ensure you find a job where you can have fulfillment:
Know Yourself
While this seems like it's pretty straightforward, understand that it's probably the hardest and most crucial step. If you aren't sure what your own personal values are, ask yourself a few questions:
What motivates you?
Are you motivated by success? By the desire to create a better life for your family? By the need to make a difference or have autonomy at work? Getting clear on your own motivations is key.
Are you someone who wants to change the world, or to keep current traditions alive?
Many people feel strongly about something, and figuring out if you want to invoke change or keep to the current status quo is a great way to narrow down potential companies.
How do you think?
Okay, that's probably an odd question but really look at it. Are you a person who thinks scientifically and logically? Someone who thinks based on history and experiences? Or someone who follows their intuition more than really sitting down to hash a thing out? There's a company out there for each one of those people.
Know the Company
Okay, so you took the time to really figure yourself out, now it's time to do homework on the companies you're looking at. Here are a few ideas to help you figure out if you and the company will be compatible for the long run:
Really read through the company's website.
Many companies include their company values or mission on their website, especially if this is something that’s important to the owners of the company. Things like how they feel about work to home ratio, if they're community-based, etc should be there.
Go visit the company.
Going and visiting a company allows you to make up your own conclusions on if the work environment is going to be right for you based on observing how things are running as well as the overall vibe.
Ask Questions.
Don't ever be afraid to ask questions, as you don't know what you don't ask. During the interview you can ask about their company's beliefs and what they encourage. If you manage to talk to someone who does work there, ask them what they enjoy and where they see room for improvement. If employees are unwilling to answer basic questions about the company’s values, this may be a bad sign.
It is possible to have a career that aligns well with your personal values.