In the modern workforce, job offers are increasingly accepted on which employer cares the most rather than which employer offers the biggest benefits. Jobseekers are seeking an employer whose values match their own and it is becoming ever more important as younger generations enter the job market. Even if it is not at the top of your list of priorities, knowing that you and your employer share the same values may influence the jobs you apply for, accept, and choose to remain in.
In this blog, we explore some approaches that you can take when it comes to choosing the right employer to align with your values.
Figure Out What You Value
Before you can separate the good from the bad when it comes to finding the right job you need to know what your values are. Making a list here will help you to determine what you should be looking for from employers. You may already have a good idea of what those values are but if not then you need to sit down and figure them out.
The automotive industry is in a unique ethical position due to the outsized role it plays in responding to the challenges that will shape the future of our world. As someone in the industry, choosing the right employer has a direct impact on what this future will look like and finding the right job will mean finding an employer whose vision of the future matches your own.
If you are enthusiastic about the environment and renewable technology, then working for an employer who is actively developing renewable technology would be high on your list of values. Alternatively, you might place a high value on how workers are treated and supported, in which case you would want to search for employers with a strong track record of looking after their employees.
Knowing your values is essential to finding the right job, so think carefully about what yours are.
Work Backwards: Research Employers You Align With
Once you have a clear idea of what is important to you, you can begin to work backwards by aligning values with your job. This doesn’t mean that you are looking for an employer with a spotless record or perfect conduct across the board – that would be too difficult.
What it means is that you should spend time researching the companies advertising the roles you are interested in to see if they would be a good option for you. Research doesn’t have to take long: a quick Google search will turn up any news on them (good or bad) that will help you gain a better idea of their company values. You can also use their company and social sites to see what they say about themselves, too.
If you’ve been in the industry for a few years then you probably have a general idea of what any potential employer is like but don’t be afraid to investigate further. For a more traditional approach, you can always reach out to any current or former employees you may know and ask how they feel the company performs on issues that matter to you.
However, if you’re new to the industry or don’t know much about a potential employer, it is worth speaking to a specialist Automotive Engineering recruitment agency for help with finding the right job. The nature of their job gives recruiters insider knowledge of how companies act on their values and they will be able to assist you in choosing the right employer that aligns with yours.
Communicate Your Values
When you know who is and isn’t going to be the right fit for you, it’s time to discuss your values and see if they meet them or not. Whether you are interviewing with an employer or still just learning about them, it never hurts to ask about specifics and find out more about what they do in support of the issues they care about.
Any employer who is serious about their values will not shy away from discussing them and will be willing to provide evidence of how these values influence their business. For an automotive company, this may come in the form of efforts to create a more sustainable supply chain or reduce its manufacturing emissions. It could be the implementation of initiatives that promote diversity, or a culture that promotes genuine care and support for their employees.
These actions will differ between companies and will ultimately depend on the values you hold yourself. Only you know what is important to you and only you will be able to tell when an employer aligns with these values.
Summary
Finding the right job has become about so much more than the benefits package. A growing number of candidates want to work for an employer that shares their values and this is an aspect that should be carefully considered when you’re trying to find the right job. When you’re on your next job search, start by figuring out what is important to you and finding out which employers share these values. Once you do, you’ll be able to dig deeper and discover if they’re serious and willing to discuss them.
If you don’t know where to start or what to look for on your next job search, get in touch with one of our team at Fields & Rudd. As specialists in automotive engineering recruitment, we have our finger on the pulse of the world’s leading automotive engineering jobs and can help match you with employers and roles that match your values. To find out more and take the next step in your career, contact us today.