Starting a career, or switching careers, can seem like a daunting task. Not only are there potentially hundreds of other professionals looking for a job, there are thousands of companies and roles to search through.

Before you begin that search, it’s important to recognize what you’re looking for in an employer. It’s easy to mass-distribute your resume to every company hiring, but chances are high that you’ll end up with a job that isn’t necessarily relevant to your career or personal goals. You must first find a company, and a role, that aligns with your values.

Identifying Your Values

When you begin the search for a job, be honest with yourself about your goals, interests, and ethical standards. Identify what you consider to be the most important factors in a job – the industry, growth, salary, etc. – and make these your priorities. To come up with your personal set of values, consider the following:

• Times when you felt the proudest of your accomplishments
• Experiences in which you felt the most fulfilled

Research, Research, Research

Identify a company’s mission, values, and background before submitting an application. Find out more about the company’s culture, opportunities for advancement, and the big things that matter to you. Many companies offer resources on their websites for future employees – use them! If a company does not check the majority of your boxes, it might not be the best fit for you, and that’s OK!

Aligning Your Values

Remember that a job search should always be two-sided. Not only is a company seeking the right fit for them, you are finding the role that’s right for you. Be up front about the values that you’ve identified and ask clarifying questions about the company. Take the time to align your personal values with your future employer’s, and it’s sure to be the right fit!

Reynolds believes our people are the key to success, fostering an environment that allows associates to grow professionally through engaging work. Check out Reynolds’ Careers page for a glimpse into our culture and our people.