A personal value statement can give you a competitive edge! Write a statement to help you land the job and align your decisions with your goals.
Table of ContentsThis is the perfect time to create your personal value statement!
A personal value statement is a short overview of what you value and how those values make you the best match for a job. A personal value statement helps clarify what matters and gives you a competitive edge over other applicants.
A personal statement or a statement of purpose is what you include in your application for university. If you’re looking for a job, you’ll use a personal value statement for applying to jobs. You can also use it to ground your goals and get clear on your mission.
Here are some examples of personal value statements:
A personal value statement is versatile, and once you’ve written it, you’ll be able to adapt it and use it in several ways. You can also use it personally and professionally.
We get it if you feel uncomfortable writing down or discussing your best traits. But, writing your value statement will prepare you for the dreaded, “So tell me about yourself.” or “What are your best traits?”.
To overcome the discomfort of approaching this, remember this—you’re not bragging about yourself. It may feel like it, and if the thought makes your mind go completely blank, don’t worry. We’re going to take you through this step-by-step.
To start, you won’t think about what makes you fantastic. Set that aside for a minute and think about what you value.
Don’t censor yourself.
Write down a list of everything that comes to mind.
Can’t think of anything? Ask yourself these questions. The answers will help you find some of your values.
| Acceptance | Dependability | Integrity | Simplicity |
| Altruism | Determination | Kindness | Strength |
| Assertiveness | Family | Love | Success |
| Authenticity | Flexibility | Loyalty | Tolerance |
| Balance | Freedom | Passion | Trust |
| Beauty | Generosity | Persuasiveness | Uniqueness |
| Change | Gratitude | Progress | Well-Being |
| Clarity | Growth | Resilience | Creativity |
| Community | Honesty | Safety | Inspiration |
| Compassion | Independence | Self-Awareness | Self-Respect |
| Conviction | Innovation | Self-Discipline | Truth |
Now that you have a big, beautiful list of values, start thinking about yourself. What you value in life, and others is usually one of two things: the qualities you excel in or the qualities you wish you had.
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If you plan on applying for multiple positions or industries, write one statement and tailor it for each application.
As you review your statement, you’ll notice values overlap with other industries or positions. When that’s the case, tweak some of your words to make them suitable for the specific job you’re applying to.
We’ve made a list of top values by industry to give you a clear perspective on what different jobs may require of you. Plus, we’ve included sample value statements with outlines so you can write your own!
Once you know what values are important to your industry, use our examples below to get writing!
After spending seven years in digital communication, I’ve learned the best relationship with clients comes when they trust the integrity of my work. Whether writing web copy or responding to emails, I strive for deep authenticity and integrity.
Clients have appreciated my innovation and flexibility; these are all values I see in your company. I will be an asset to your team and can easily fit into your company culture.
Write Your Own:
When I discovered you mentor women, I knew I wanted to work for you. I have spent the last six years mentoring women to succeed in finance, which, as you know, is an industry where women are still underrepresented.
My passion for equity and inclusion is only rivaled by my devotion to confidentiality and integrity. As Corporate Finance Manager, I would balance completing tasks on my own with maximizing profits as a team.
I would value the opportunity to discuss this position further and how I can positively impact the company’s financial health.
Write Your Own:
Growing up, I dreamed of being a medical worker who saved the world with a stethoscope and bandaids. While my dreams have matured into a more balanced and realistic perspective, I continue to be motivated by a desire to help sick and hurting people.
That desire has also expanded into a passion for justice and equity in medical care. The more I work with patients, the more I am driven to provide compassionate care. Patients describe me as friendly and kind, and I’ve been recognized for my devotion to ethics and empathy.
Write Your Own:
Business isn’t about numbers. It’s about people. I thrive on turning around failed projects and floundering companies others have given up on.
Throughout my career, I’ve earned the trust of both individuals and companies through diligence and commitment to integrity. I’ve maintained these relationships over the eight years I’ve spent helping people succeed.
Write Your Own:
These are the top four advantages of having a personal value statement.
Let’s look at these more closely.
Whether you’re applying for your first job or you’ve been in the workforce for years, you need something you can reference when facing big decisions.
Regularly questioning yourself is a good habit to adopt. Ask yourself,
Having a personal value statement makes answering these questions a lot easier. Plus, writing down your values is like putting down boundaries around what you will and will not do. That helps you accomplish your goals instead of being distracted by good but unnecessary things.
Even if you never face a big, dramatic, ethical dilemma, you will have to make decisions that could take you away from what you value. Sometimes that happens when you make decisions that look good but aren’t good for you.
Another great thing about having a personal value statement is you can change it! What you value today might change with time, and that’s fine.
Give yourself the freedom to shift your values as the seasons and rhythms of your life change.
Along with a personal value statement, having professional development goals will provide a roadmap to success. Check out our 25 Professional Development Goals to Help You Succeed.
