Learn how to identify your core values, the principles that guide your actions and behaviors, and how to express them in a job interview to showcase your personal brand.

Les valeurs fondamentales ne devraient pas être considérées comme de simples concepts abstraits ou des termes à la mode. Lorsqu'on parle de valeurs fondamentales, on fait référence aux principes essentiels qui guident les actions, les décisions et le comportement d'une entité. Ces valeurs ne devraient pas être adoptées simplement parce qu'elles sont populaires ou à la mode à un moment donné, mais plutôt en raison de leur alignement avec la véritable identité et les convictions de l'individu, de l'entreprise ou de l'organisation.

How can you identify your core values in a job interview?

Your core values are the principles that guide your decisions, actions, and behaviors in your personal and professional life. They reflect what matters most to you, what motivates you, and what makes you happy. Knowing your core values can help you align your career goals with your authentic self, and communicate them effectively in a job interview. In this article, you will learn how to identify your core values in a job interview, and how to use them to showcase your strengths, fit, and uniqueness.

1 Why core values matter

Core values are not just abstract concepts or buzzwords. They are the foundation of your personal brand, and they can help you stand out from other candidates in a competitive job market. By expressing your core values in a job interview, you can demonstrate that you have a clear vision of who you are, what you value, and how you contribute. You can also show that you have done your research on the company, and that you share its mission, vision, and culture. This can help you build rapport and trust with the interviewer, and increase your chances of getting hired.

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Balkissa Ahmadou

Directrice Marketing & Croissance à Airudi Afrique | Linkedin Top Voice I Consultante en Stratégie Marketing & Personal Branding | Communication | Ambassadrice de marque | Motivatrice | Engagée en faveur de la jeunesse
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Les valeurs fondamentales ne devraient pas être considérées comme de simples concepts abstraits ou des termes à la mode. Lorsqu'on parle de valeurs fondamentales, on fait référence aux principes essentiels qui guident les actions, les décisions et le comportement d'une entité. Ces valeurs ne devraient pas être adoptées simplement parce qu'elles sont populaires ou à la mode à un moment donné, mais plutôt en raison de leur alignement avec la véritable identité et les convictions de l'individu, de l'entreprise ou de l'organisation.

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Adam Brounstein

Brand Strategist/Creative Director/Social Media Expert: helping brands build identity, strategy, and salience with their core audiences.
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In a job interview, identifying your core values is key to finding the right fit. Reflect on what truly drives you and makes you unique, what makes you stand out from the rest. In the interview, share personal stories that showcase these values in action, illustrating not just what you believe in but also how you embody these beliefs. Authenticity matters more than saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear. At the same time, assess the company's values through their culture and the nature of the interview. Remember, it's as much about them aligning with your values as it is the other way around. This approach ensures that both you and the company are a good match for each other and you can be both successful and happy.

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Márcio Lima, MBA

MBA in Strategic Marketing Management | Expertise in International Marketing, Luxury Branding, Educational Marketing, Social Media, and Partnerships
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Identifying your core values in a job interview involves reflecting on personal and professional priorities. Share examples of values-driven decision-making and contributions to positive work culture. Ask about the company's values and observe their culture. Aligning your values with the company's mission and culture during the interview demonstrates your suitability for the role.

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Lokesh Sri Chandra G

5+ 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻 | SAP
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Connect the value-based questions to the role you are applying for and show how you can meet the job description13. Give examples where appropriate to demonstrate your values in action13. Use deliberate language to express your values and align them with the company's4. Empower employees to recognize values alignment and assess culture fit4.

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2 How to identify your core values

Identifying your core values is a great way to gain a better understanding of yourself. One of the simplest and most effective methods is to use a core values list. You can find many examples online or create your own. To use a core values list, review the list and select the words or phrases that resonate with you the most. Then, narrow down your selection to the top 10-15 values that are most important to you. Group these into categories or themes, such as personal growth or creativity, and finally choose the top 3-5 values that define your identity and guide your actions.

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Benjamin Nicklaus

Software Engineer 4
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I agree with the list idea, but don’t show your list to the interviewing person. Put your top key values, that are most valuable to you and put them at the top of the list and talk about those values first.

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3 How to prepare for a job interview

Once you have identified your core values, you need to prepare for a job interview by doing some research on the company, the role, and the interviewer. You need to find out what the company's core values are, how they align with yours, and how they are reflected in the role and the work environment. You also need to learn as much as you can about the interviewer's background, style, and expectations. You can use sources such as the company's website, social media, reviews, news articles, or your network to do this. The more you know about the company and the interviewer, the more confident and relevant you will be in the interview.

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4 How to express your core values in a job interview

Expressing your core values in a job interview is essential for demonstrating your suitability for the role. You could use stories and examples, such as the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, to illustrate how your values have impacted your actions and outcomes. You could also use questions and answers to emphasize your core values and how they relate to the role and the company. Furthermore, you could use feedback and follow-up to reinforce your core values and show why you are a suitable candidate. For example, if one of your core values is excellence, you can thank the interviewer for their constructive feedback and emphasize how you are willing to learn and improve. Alternatively, you can send a follow-up email that summarizes your main achievements and skills, and how they align with the company's goals and values.

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Jonathan Nyst

Head of Marketing @ StoreHub | 💼 Hiring hungry marketers across Malaysia, Philippines & Thailand
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Integrate your values into your answers by providing specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate them in action. For instance, if teamwork is a core value, describe a collaborative project you led or contributed to significantly. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your stories. Also, ask questions that reflect your values, showing your interest in how the company thinks about similar principles. Finally, be genuine and consistent in your responses: authenticity is critical in showcasing your professional ethics.

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5 How to avoid common pitfalls

Expressing your core values in a job interview can be a powerful way to showcase your personal brand, but it can also backfire if you are not careful. To avoid common pitfalls, you need to be specific and concrete when talking about your core values, and provide examples and evidence to back them up. Additionally, you must be consistent and coherent when discussing them, matching your words with your actions. Lastly, it is important to remain humble and respectful when discussing your core values, acknowledging that they are not the only ones that matter. Don't judge or criticize the interviewer, the company, or other candidates for having different values, but rather seek to understand and appreciate them.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Meet Shah

Brand Identity Strategist | On-demand Brand consulting | 1:1 Brand Consulting | Graphic Designer | IIM alumni
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I must say nowadays it's very popular term " Personal Branding" , yes We all have to do that , like brand have a values we have to define our values that how you are unique then others. What values you are going to add if they hire you, make your own tone like brand does. Try to active on social medias like #LinkedIn #instagram , these are perfect plateform to brand yourself

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How can you identify your core values in a job interview?

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1 Why core values matter

2 How to identify your core values

3 How to prepare for a job interview

4 How to express your core values in a job interview

5 How to avoid common pitfalls

6 Here’s what else to consider

Branding

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How can you identify your core values in a job interview?

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1 Why core values matter

2 How to identify your core values

3 How to prepare for a job interview

4 How to express your core values in a job interview

5 How to avoid common pitfalls

6 Here’s what else to consider

Branding

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