How to Define Your Work Values, Impress Employers, and Land the Right Fit

Finding the right job isn’t just about submitting applications, it’s about knowing what you want and showing employers why you’re the right fit. A focused job search starts with clarity, confidence, and the right support system.

With support from Workforce Solutions, you can take control of your job search from day one. From personalized assistance to easy-to-use online tools, Your Career, Your Choice, powered by Workforce Solutions, guides you through each step toward achieving your career goals.

Start With What Matters to You

One of the most important ways to target your job search is to set expectations for both yourself and the job you want. Understanding what matters most in a workplace, and what you want to get out of your work, helps you navigate the job market with purpose.

As Bria Hobgood from Workforce Solutions explains, “To have a good job search plan, a personal self assessment is needed to understand what your values are for any job or occupation that you may go into.”

That starts with knowing the difference between work values and work preferences.

Bria breaks it down clearly:

“Work values are core principles related to your job or occupation. They include tasks that get a job done, as well, as what you get out of a job. Work preferences are things that you look for in a job that bring the most enjoyment and the highest of job satisfaction.”

Work values often include strong communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to learn and adapt. These employability skills go beyond minimum job requirements and can help you succeed in any organization.

Work preferences, on the other hand, shape your day-to-day satisfaction. These may include wages and benefits, job location, full- or part-time schedules, or the working environment. For example, you might prioritize a job on a public bus route, flexible hours, medical benefits, or even whether the role is indoors.

If you’re unsure how to align your goals with the right opportunities, Workforce Solutions offices have career advisors ready to help. As Bria shares, you can visit wrkforcesolutions.com, enter your zip code, and find the nearest office with contact information and available resources.

Be Ready to Talk About Yourself — the Right Way

Once you know what you’re looking for, the next step is communicating your value to employers.

Tell me about yourself. It’s often one of the most dreaded questions during the interview process. “But if you’re well-prepared, you’ll have a good vehicle to drive the answer home during the interview process,” says career correspondent Brandon Hayes.

Employers use this question to determine whether you’re a good fit. It’s your chance to give a snapshot of your work history, highlight accomplishments, show what you know about the company, and explain why you’re the right candidate.

One simple strategy is the CAR statement.

“CAR stands for Challenge, Action, Respond, and it is a way to show the interviewer that when faced with a test, you’ll know how to resolve the issue and achieve a positive outcome,” Brandon explains.

Here’s how it works:

• Challenge: What challenge needed to be resolved?
• Action: What actions did you take to overcome the challenge?
• Result: What were the results of your efforts?

Using this structure keeps your answers focused and achievement-oriented. It also helps you avoid common mistakes like sharing unrelated personal information or failing to explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Take the Next Step

A successful job search starts with knowing your work values and preferences, and being able to communicate them clearly. Whether you’re defining what matters most or preparing for interviews, the right preparation makes all the difference.

Accessing the right tools can make all the difference in your job search and career development. Watch Episode 4 to discover how Workforce Solutions can help you take the next step with confidence.

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