Aligning core values with career growth

Progressing your career can be dramatically aided by understanding your core values.

In addition to demonstrating your qualifications and skills, understanding your core values will not only enable you to answer traditional interview questions clearly and concisely, but will also allow you to more easily determine the suitability of potential employers that you want to work for.  

Uncovering your alignment with an organisation’s culture is about your attitudes, behaviours and working style, compared to theirs. A clear understanding from the outset can give you confidence by reducing the risks of making a wrong decision when it comes to accepting a role with a potential employer. 

Knowing that you will thrive within a new workplace environment, contribute positively to the team dynamics and instinctively be in harmony with the company’s core principles is really important. Ensuring your values and preferences align with the company’s outlook will enhance your harmony and work style within the workplace and could help to boost your productivity and prospects. 

Fit

Employers understand that a trainee’s fit within the company’s own culture is an important step towards the long-term success of the organisation. This is why, at interview stage, you may be asked to ‘describe your ideal work culture and how it relates to our company’s culture’. This allows hiring managers to assess whether any given trainee will seamlessly integrate into the existing work environment and contribute to the company. 

You will be a good cultural fit if you and the firm value open communication and teamwork, innovation and aligning with the company’s transparency and collaboration outlook. 

An ability to understand workplace values and having a proactive approach to fostering a harmonious and productive environment will prove valuable. Also, striving for and demonstrating open communication and collaboration to maintain a positive work environment will also prove helpful. 

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Adapt 

Flexibility and adaptability are key too. An ability to work independently will put you in a good light, as will the ability to brainstorm with teams, tackle complex challenges and get different points of view into the mix. 

An interviewer may gauge your teamwork, empathy and commitment to a positive workplace culture. You may be asked to share a specific example that highlights your willingness to support colleagues, showcasing your interpersonal skills.  

In today’s dynamic workplace, the ability to accept constructive feedback and translate it into personal and professional growth is highly valued. This is a trait that you will need to adopt from the outset. 

Knowing your preferred approach to handling feedback and criticism will reflect in your perceived adaptability and growth mindset. It will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment. 

Understanding your motivations at work will also enable you to align well with company culture motivations. It also leads to higher job satisfaction, engagement and productivity. It also helps gauge long-term commitment and identifies contributors to company growth.  

Aspiration 

Acknowledging professional aspirations demonstrates a commitment to personal development, enhancing the company’s appeal. Understanding your own motivations is pivotal for your ongoing success. 

A personal commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential. Many employers are looking for trainees who actively promote a harmonious workplace. By developing awareness, actions and collaboration, your dedication to inclusivity is key. 

As such, look for ways to help promote diversity and inclusion – maybe by helping to organise workshops on cultural awareness. Being committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard will take you a long way.

Author: Alex Miller, writer

This article was first published in Student Accountant | Get the SA app now