Why values matter in your job search

Leslea Petersen unpacks the hidden role values play in career happiness - and how using them as your compass can lead to more purposeful, energised work.

Photograph: Pexels: kaboompics

Text: Leslea Petersen

Picture this: you’ve landed the job you thought you wanted. The title looked impressive, the salary exceeded all expectations, and your connections are congratulating you on LinkedIn. But, a few months in, something feels off. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but the joy just isn’t there.

That uneasy feeling often comes down to one thing: you have chosen a role or organisation that doesn’t meet your values.

Your values are the invisible compass guiding you in how you want to live and work. They shape what motivates you, what drains you, and what feels meaningful. When your job aligns with your values, you feel energised and fulfilled; when it doesn’t, even the most glamorous role can leave you feeling flat.

Just as companies spend millions defining their brand values to attract the right audience, you need to understand your own. Knowing what you stand for isn’t just a nice exercise; it’s the foundation for long-term career satisfaction.

What ‘values’ mean at work

Work values go beyond vague ideas like ‘success’ or ‘doing a good job.’ They show up in how a workplace operates, what it rewards and what it overlooks! For example:

• Do you value stability or risk-taking?

• Is work-life balance non-negotiable, or do you thrive in a high-energy, all-hours

workplace?

• Do you care deeply about social impact, or are you driven by innovation, status,

or financial growth?

• Do you prefer structure or creative freedom?

• Do you thrive in a team, or do you do your best work independently?

There’s no right or wrong answer. The key is recognising what feels right for you. Problems start when your daily work life doesn’t meet your values, you become dissatisfied and stressed.

Why ignoring values leads to dissatisfaction

Many people accept jobs based mainly on salary, status, or the commute! It might work for a while because it pays the bills, right? But, if your daily work goes against those things that you hold dear, stress and frustration will build (been there, got the t-shirt).

When your job supports your values, challenges still exist, but they feel purposeful. You’re more resilient because your work reflects what you enjoy and what gives you purpose.

Values act like a career compass

Without clear values, every job choice feels hard. You might be swayed by what others think or what seems like the ‘smart’ choice. But your values act as a filter, helping you make choices that fit.

If learning and growth are top priorities, you might choose a role that stretches you rather than one that feels safe. If stability matters most, you might focus on established organisations over startups, even if the latter sound exciting.

Values shape how you show up

When your work aligns with your values, motivation is easy. You’re not just working for a salary but genuinely enjoying what you do. That alignment often leads to better performance, stronger relationships, and greater resilience when things get tough.

Finding your core work values

As a starter, try reflecting on these questions:

1. When have you felt most fulfilled or energised at work? Flexibility, teamwork,

and helping others?

2. When have you felt most drained or frustrated? Often, that’s when a key

value like fairness, respect, or balance wasn’t met.

3. What are you unwilling to sacrifice long-term, even for a higher salary?

4. Whose career do you admire, and why? Their path often reflects shared values.

From there, narrow your list to three to five core values that matter most to you right now.

Bringing values into your job search

Once you’re clear on your values, use them as a compass:

• Research companies: Look at their mission, vision, and values. Do they reflect

what you care about?

• Ask better interview questions: Go beyond what the job offers. Ask how feedback is handled, how success is measured, or how teams operate when the

challenges come.

• Evaluate every part of the offer: Look at culture, leadership, flexibility, and

growth opportunities, not just the salary.

Your career is a huge part of your life. Choosing roles that align with your values isn’t a nice-to-have list sitting on your desk - it’s strategic. When you find a job that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside, that’s when real career satisfaction begins.