Personal Values Statement: How It Helps Enhance Your Job Opportunities

What Distinguishes a Personal Values Statement from a Personal Statement?

A personal statement (or purpose statement) is a letter you send to a university outlining your qualifications to enroll there. However, you must write a personal values statement to apply for job positions. Also, you can use your personal values statement to precisely define your goals and have a clear vision of your life’s mission.

Personal Values Statements Examples

A leader with strategic and execution skills in marketing, high energy, and enthusiasm that drives hard work, along with the ability to accomplish tasks in a collaborative environment based on integrity and respect. A dedicated leader striving to help team members succeed and rise to leadership roles.
I have dedicated my professional life to advancing integrity and equality in an industry characterized by sluggish adaptation. Through tactful negotiations, I have worked to promote change and encourage dialogue while remaining steadfastly committed to the integrity principle.
I embrace change and can succeed, unlike some who resist. Furthermore, I develop focused, creative strategies and innovations to ensure my clients' success and progress.

When Should You Use a Personal Values Statement?

A personal values statement can be used on multiple occasions. You can employ it for various purposes once you finish writing it. You can use it for personal and professional life purposes:

1. Professionally

You can use your personal values statement as an alternative to a cover letter if it is not required, or you can include it with your resume. Also, you can add this statement to your LinkedIn profile or write it down and keep it ready for any future job interviews. A personal values statement helps you determine whether a particular job suits you by comparing the company’s values with your own.

2. Personally

You can place it somewhere noticeable so you see it every morning (like your mirror) or write it in your phone’s notes. Moreover, you can share it on social media profiles or your website, allowing others to understand your values and life goals.

7 Tips for Writing a Personal Values Statement

It’s normal to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable when discussing or writing about your best personality traits. However, writing a statement about your strengths will prepare you for the most important question asked in job interviews: "Tell me about yourself" or "What are your best traits?" To overcome this discomfort, remember that you are not bragging despite what might initially appear. The following tips will help you in writing this statement without coming across as arrogant:

1. Identify Your Values

Start by focusing on the most important values to you rather than all the amazing qualities you have. Be honest and allow yourself to think freely, listing all the values that come to mind. If you can’t think of anything specific, ask yourself these questions to identify some of your core values:

What makes me feel secure?
What makes me feel successful?
What makes me feel appreciated by others?
What do I value in friendships?
Who are the colleagues or clients I respect?
What do I need in family life?

Here are 44 points where you may find some of your core values:

Acceptance.
Reliability.
Integrity.
Simplicity.
Altruism.
Determination.
Kindness.
Resilience.
Honesty.
Sincerity.
Balance.
Beauty.
Change.
Clarity.
Community.
Empathy.
Convictions.
Family.
Love.
Success.
Flexibility.
Loyalty.
Endurance.
Freedom.
Passion.
Trust.
Generosity.
Persuasion.
Excellence.
Gratitude.
Progress.
Health.
Self-Development.
Resilience.
Creativity.
Truthfulness.
Security.
Inspiration.
Independence.
Self-awareness.
Self-Respect.
Innovation.
Self-Discipline.
Truth.

2. Condense the Previous List to Just Your Most Vital Values

Once you have a long list of core values, consider which values are most vital to you. These values are typically characteristics that you either already have or would like to have. Follow these practical tips:

Review the list and identify your top 5 values.
Review your top 5 values and select 3 that you actually have.
Create a new list that includes only these three traits.

3. Consider Applying These Values in Your Work-Life

After listing 3 to 5 values, consider how to apply them in real life practically. Reflect on your professional background to leverage those experiences in writing your personal values statement. For example, if "acting authentically and truthfully" is one of your values, consider instances when you acted based on this value at work and write one sentence that sums up this value in that context.

For example

Credibility means aligning words with actions and proving to others that they can trust my words because my actions witness my sincerity. Independence is the ability to act freely and responsibly to complete my tasks without seeking help—unless it's absolutely necessary. However, it’s up to you to define any value you set for yourself, and the list we gave above is just an example.

4. Write Your Statement to Highlight the Link Between Your Values and the Company's Values

Now you should concentrate on turning your personal values statement into a selling point to increase your hiring chances. Once you have defined and identified your core values, make sure to phrase them precisely and in a way that is relevant to the job position you are applying for. Try to link your values with the position's or the company's.

Most companies clarify their mission, vision, and values on their websites. Also, you can understand a lot by reviewing the job listings and the company’s slogan (a short statement summarizing the company's purpose or core values). Search for anything you can use to learn about the company’s values, then compare what you find with your values. It might be better to hold off on applying for the job if you find a big conflict between your values and the company's. However, if you find that your values and the company's are in line, keep working.

Review the values' definitions you previously wrote, and start drafting a statement based on them. Mention your experiences at the statement's outset before elaborating on how your values affect your work performance. Try to express this in 2 to 3 sentences and do the following:

First, write about the most important value to you and explain how this value has reflected on your experiences and professional performance. You can elaborate on this point to cover multiple values, but avoid making it too long or turning it into a long values list.
Clarify the link between your values and those of the company.
Consider the job you're applying for and the explanation provided in the job description. Try to identify one or two values that qualify you for this role.

5. Check Your Statement and Ensure It Is Error-Free

It's crucial to proofread your personal values statement once you've finished writing it to ensure its clarity and grammatical flawlessness. It is essential to use a grammar-checking software program such as Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to help you edit your text, even if you are an expert in English grammar. Professional writers proofread their initial drafts to ensure they are error-free in grammar and spelling before publishing them.

If you have time, it's best to set aside your personal values statement for about a week without revisiting it during that time. This will help you notice any sentences that are awkward, incorrect, or lack flawlessness when you review the statement after this time.

Extra Tip: Ask a mentor or friend to read your personal values statement. Since this person knows you well, they may have some helpful suggestions for improving your personal values statement.

6. Additional Tips

a. Be Concise

Remember that the person reading your personal values statement has many obligations and a limited time. Therefore, cut out any introductions, introduce yourself, and explain your suitability for the job.

b. Be Honest

You might think it's smart to add values you don’t have or care about because you believe that's what hiring managers seek. However, remember that the interviewers want to know the real you, and you won’t allow them that opportunity by pretending to have traits you don’t just because you think they’re looking for them. Interviewers will appreciate your honesty, and their response will definitely be positive.

c. Write Briefly

It is sufficient to write a few paragraphs, with word counts ranging from 50 to a maximum of 250 words.

7. Avoid the Following

a. Creating a List of Your Achievements

You've already mentioned this in your resume, so there’s no need to remind them of it in your personal values statement.

b. Mentioning Negative Traits

Negative traits are part of our spontaneous personality, but they shouldn't be mentioned in your personal values statement. You might think that mentioning these traits (like stubbornness or rigidity at work) could give the reader a positive impression. However, this could reduce your hiring chances.

c. Being Verbose

Your personal values statement should be concise and clear. There's no need to list all values—just focus on highlighting the top 3 to 5 values.

How to Write Your Personal Values Statement to Suit Different Work Fields and Jobs?

You can write one statement and modify it to fit the different fields and positions you plan to apply for if you want to apply to multiple jobs or different fields. Upon reviewing your statement, you will notice that there are values appropriate for other jobs and fields. In this case, you can modify your discussion of these values to fit the specific job you intend to apply for better. You can see lists of the top 10 values for each work field below, giving you a clear understanding of the values required for each job.

I. Top 10 Values for Marketing and Communication Jobs

Trust.
Integrity.
Teamwork.
Collaboration.
Responsibility.
Innovation.
Professional Ethics.
Flexibility.
Positivity.
Realism.

II. Top 8 Values for Banking and Finance Jobs

Integrity.
Confidentiality.
Respect.
Responsibility.
Independence.
Loyalty.
Discipline.
Focus.

III. Top 11 Values for Healthcare Jobs

Empathy.
Patience.
Credibility.
Respect.
Integrity.
Professional Ethics.
Fairness.
Honesty.
Enthusiasm.
Compassion.
Kindness.

IV. Top 9 Values for Commercial Corporate Jobs

Integrity.
Diligence.
Perseverance.
Flexibility.
Boldness.
Ambition.
Dedication.
Adaptability.
Positivity.

Once you identify the important values for a specific job or field, you can use the examples below to write your personal values statement.

V. How to Create a Compelling Personal Values Statement on LinkedIn

It’s not surprising that integrity leads to building trustful relationships between a person and their clients. It's wise to constantly work with honesty and integrity, whether you're writing an online ad, answering emails, or doing other tasks online. Follow these tips to write your personal values statement:

Start by mentioning your experiences and clarify how your values impact your professional performance. Limit your explanation to 1-3 sentences.
Describe how your values and experiences qualify you for the position you are applying to.
Conclude with a sentence outlining the value you would bring to the organization if hired.

VI. Creating the Statement Based on Your Values

Dear (Name),

I knew I wanted to work for you once I knew you work as a women's mentor. I have spent the last six years mentoring women to help them succeed in the finance sector, where only a few women work. My commitment to maintaining integrity and confidentiality is just as strong as my passion for attaining gender equality. As a company's financial manager, I strive to balance completing individual tasks while enhancing the team's overall profits. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this position and what value I could add to support the company’s financial standing.

Best regards,

(Your Name)

Practical Tips on the Above Example

Start by clarifying how your values align with those of the person reading your statement. This will immediately capture their attention and encourage them to read on.
Clearly state how your values and the position you're applying for are related.
Conclude with a request for an opportunity to discuss the value you will add to the company if you are hired. Remember to include a phrase that shows your understanding of the strategic role you will play if you are hired.

VII. How to Create an Engaging Personal Values Statement Based on One of Your Experiences?

I have always dreamed of working in healthcare to make the world a better place. Although my dreams have become more mature and realistic, I have not lost my passion for helping patients and those in pain. Also, my passion has expanded to encompass achieving equality and justice in the healthcare sector. The more patient care I give, the more I believe that developing compassion and empathy is essential. I am well-known for my profound empathy and steadfast dedication to professional ethics, and my patients characterize me as nice and kind.

Tips for Writing a Personal Values Statement for a Healthcare Job

Be sure to clarify the goal that drives you to work in this field. The best way to do this is by sharing the story that led you to this profession. It's important to note that this method works well in a variety of fields. Try to begin your statement with a brief anecdote that lends some humanity, and be sure to draw attention to the way in which the story relates to the value you are debating.
Expand on your values, describing how your patients, clients, and colleagues view your professional performance.

VIII. How to Create an Exceptional Personal Values Statement for a Commercial Company Job

The company's workforce quality is just as important as its financial position to its success. I am one of the few who can transform failed projects into success stories and uplift underperforming companies. I have earned people's and businesses' trust throughout my career by exhibiting commitment, perseverance, and integrity. Over these eight years, I have maintained my relationships while I have helped others achieve success.

Tips for Writing a Personal Values Statement for a Commercial Company Job

Start your statement by mentioning misconceptions about the industry, but without sounding arrogant or rude. You can achieve this by discussing people's incorrect beliefs about the field rather than criticizing its standards and rules.
Clarify how your values have contributed to your success.
Conclude with a strong final point that highlights your uniqueness.

Personal Values Statement Advantages

Here are the personal values statement's top 4 advantages:

Providing a competitive advantage.
Serving as a reference for decision-making.
Helping achieve goals.
Allowing for easy modification when values change.

Whether you are applying for your first job or have been in the job market for several years, you need something to refer to when facing critical decisions. These are good questions to ask yourself regularly:

Am I leading my desired life? If the answer is no, why?
Does my job align with my life's vision and values?
Will "this" go against or in line with my values if I do it?
Will accepting or refusing "this" create a conflict with my values?

It is much simpler to respond to these questions when you have a personal values statement. Additionally, writing down your values is very similar to setting rules that determine what you will do or reject. This keeps you focused on your goals instead of getting distracted by good but unnecessary things. Even if you never face a significant ethical dilemma, you will inevitably encounter situations in your personal or professional life where you must make decisions that may seriously conflict with your values. This can occasionally happen when you make decisions that seem right but do not serve your best interests.

In Conclusion

A personal values statement should serve multiple purposes, such as supporting you in achieving your goals and enhancing your chances of landing your ideal job. It also serves as a reference point when facing major decisions. However, this statement is dynamic, as it can be changed as your values evolve, which makes it different from a resume.