Showcase your values, increase your job search success

Posted on 10 December 2025 • Career planning

Values. What do you think about when you hear that word? Things that are important to you? Your ethics? Or politics maybe? We all have different things that are important to us and impact the way we see the world. That’s why it’s important to consider your values when thinking about career choice or the employer you are about to apply to.

Look at the values OU students highlighted at a recent careers event in the word cloud below. Which ones are most important to you?

Employers tell us that values are now a key part of the recruitment process. Along with your skills, experience and qualifications, they are also trying to find out about your values and how closely they match with the culture of their organisation. Many employers will have a list of core values on their websites; examples we discussed were bold, curious, positive, innovative, inclusive. Which ones sound most like you?

Reflect on your values

Reflect on your values by completing the exercises and activities in Section 1, ‘Know yourself’ in Your Career Planning Guide. You’ll find more on Choose a career that motivates you.

Make a list of your values and try to rank them: what could you compromise on and what is non-negotiable?

Benefits to the employer

Values help find someone who is the right ‘fit’ for the culture and environment, who will be motivated and driven to do their best in the role. Employers say this can enhance performance, productivity and even help build their brand.

Benefits to you

Feeling aligned to the culture and values of your employer is likely to help you to feel more satisfied in your role, be more productive and progress at work. Matching your values to your organisation ensures you don’t feel like a square peg in a round hole, like you don’t fit.

Research job sectors and organisations

Actively research your chosen occupational sector, identify key employers and their values and organisational culture so you are ready to prepare for applications. A great starting point are the Industry Insights Reports.

Practice demonstrating your values

Employers at our values-based recruitment event encouraged students to use the STAR technique when preparing for interviews. This makes it much easier for them to see how you demonstrate their values and so more likely they’ll see you as a great match for their organisation. Practice some examples out loud; you’ll be surprised how much it helps.