One of the most important steps in the job search isn’t polishing your resume or preparing for interviews, it’s getting clear on who you are and what matters most to you. With so many exciting opportunities on the table, it’s easy to get swept up in what classmates are doing or what seems prestigious. But the most fulfilling career decisions come from a place of alignment: when your values, strengths, and motivators connect with your work.
Here’s how to break it down:
1. Identify Your Core Values
Values are the principles that guide your decisions and define what matters to you in work and life. Ask yourself:
- What kind of culture helps me thrive?
- Do I value stability, or am I energized by fast-paced change?
- Is impact, innovation, collaboration, or autonomy most important to me?
Writing down your top 3–5 values can serve as a compass when evaluating companies and roles.
2. Recognize Your Strengths
Your strengths are not just what you’re good at, they’re what you enjoy doing and can sustain over time. Think about:
- Which tasks make me lose track of time?
- What do peers or mentors consistently recognize me for?
- How do my strengths show up in team settings, problem-solving, or leadership?
Leaning into your strengths increases both performance and satisfaction.
3. Understand Your Motivators
Motivators are the drivers that keep you engaged day-to-day. They might be recognition, financial rewards, opportunities for growth, or contributing to a larger mission. Consider:
- What kind of work energizes me vs. drains me?
- Do I feel most motivated by competition, collaboration, or creativity?
- What rewards matter most to me beyond salary?
4. Connect the Dots in Your Search
When you line up your values, strengths, and motivators, patterns start to emerge. For example:
- If you value collaboration, excel at relationship-building, and are motivated by helping others grow, roles in people leadership or HR might be a fit.
- If you value innovation, thrive in problem-solving, and are motivated by impact, strategy or consulting could align well.
5. Use This Framework in Recruiting
Being clear on who you are not only guides your decisions but also makes your story more compelling in interviews. Recruiters want to see authenticity, self-awareness, and clarity in why you’re pursuing their company or role.
Career decisions become easier when you know your foundation. By reflecting on your values, strengths, and motivators, you can pursue opportunities that don’t just look good on paper, but also feel right for you. Schedule time with a CDO Coach to discuss your plan.
