Why you should stay picky during your job hunt
Job hunting can be a minefield, sometimes just finding a role that utilises your skills, within a commutable distance and a wage that pays the rent can feel like an impossible task. If you’ve been looking for a new role for a while, applying for anything and everything that comes your way can be tempting. But even when it feels like you might never find your next role, we want you to stay picky.
A job with purpose might seem like a luxury, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. But, applying for roles with purpose, at companies whose values align with yours will save you time and stress during your job search and prevent so many headaches in the future.
What does a job with purpose mean for you?
Start by thinking about your core values and what truly matters to you. Consider the activities, causes, or issues that you are most passionate about. Perhaps you care deeply about the environment, but you’re not looking for a job as a conservationist. Look for employers with environmental strategies like our Plant a tree for every placement policy.
You also want to think about work you’ve done in the past that has left you feeling fulfilled, do you feel your best when you are problem solving, or do you get a kick out of helping others? Once you’ve identified what drives you personally it will become easier to identify these features in potential employers.
Stop wasting time applying for jobs you don’t want
The scattergun approach of firing off CVs to every possible employer ultimately wastes your time and the hiring manager’s. A focused approach allows you to concentrate your energy on positions that match your skills, values, and career goals where you’ll be more likely to succeed. A quality over quantity mindset means that you’ll be able to tailor your application to each role you apply for and will make you more likely to stand out from the crowd of generic applications.
Spotting the real thing amid the buzzwords
Remember, you’re not just looking for a job; the right role at the wrong company will end up being the wrong job in the long run. Start by looking at the company’s website, most businesses publish their values and purpose in the about us section. Every company claims to have a purpose beyond profit these days, but do they practise what they preach? Take to social media to see if you can find evidence of these values in action. Do their campaigns align with their stated values, do they celebrate their people, do their employees engage with their posts? All of these things will allow you to build a better picture of your prospective employer and help you to choose one that is the right fit for you.
Why purpose is crucial during a cost of living crisis
You might wonder why purpose matters when the cost of living is soaring. Well, purpose isn’t just about warm fuzzies; it’s about your mental well-being and long term prospects. A job with purpose can keep you motivated and help you weather tough times, whereas working just to pay the bills can leave people feeling dissatisfied and can even lead to mental health troubles. When you’re engaged in work that aligns with your values and passions, you are more likely to stay committed to your career goals, which can lead to better financial prospects in the future.
On average in the UK we spend about 50 years of our lives working up to 40 hours a week. Don’t let big bonuses distract you from the things that will make your working life satisfying. Finding a job with purpose is your ticket to not only surviving but thriving. It’s about aligning your values with a company that truly cares. So, don’t settle for less – let purpose be your guiding light in your job search.
Come for the job, stay for the career.
Ready to find a job that aligns with your values and makes a real impact? Check out the roles we have available at companies committed to doing good and making the world a better place.
