Insights for the Class of 2024

By Linda Fisher Thornton

Graduates, as you start to search for a job, I want to share some guidance about how to choose an organization that aligns with your values to enhance your work experience and likelihood of success. While it can be challenging to find a job, it can be important when weighing options to consider the values of the organization you are considering working for, and how well they align with your own values.

How can you discover your most important values?

Applicants want potential employers to treat them well and to demonstrate a positive track record in areas that matter to them. In this trend toward “reverse interviewing,” applicants are asking about people practices, community involvement and sustainability practices.
Linda Fisher Thornton, in Want Top Talent? Pass the Reverse Interview

Where Do You Start?

Check out How Values Change Everything to learn why discovering your values is so important, and follow the suggested steps to identify your most important values.
Then when you are considering multiple job paths or options, select the kind of working environment that is most aligned with your values and offers responsible leadership.

How will You recognize an ethical workplace?

Use your research skills to review how employees have rated the company on sites like Glassdoor. Talk with people familiar with the work environment. Ask what they like and don’t like about it.

Here are some specific culture tips for spotting an ethical culture and ethical leadership:

40 Ways to Build an Ethical Culture

Hallmarks of Ethical Leadership (Part 1)

Hallmarks of Ethical Leadership (Part 2)

Hallmarks of Ethical Leadership (Part 3)

Hallmarks of Ethical Leadership (Part 4)

Hallmarks of Ethical Leadership (Part 5)

Hallmarks of Ethical Leadership (Part 6)

How will you know an ethical leader when you see one?

These tips will help you identify a potential employer that is aligned with positive ethical values:

How Do You Recognize an Ethical Leader? Part 1

How Do You Recognize an Ethical Leader? Part 2

How Do You Recognize an Ethical Leader? Part 3

Why does all of this matter?

The Top 10 Benefits of Working For an Ethical Leader include getting to experience a low-stress working environment, along with many other positive workplace benefits. It makes a huge difference so in your job search, be sure to consider the alignment of any potential employer with your values.

And watch out for these Defining Characteristics of Unethical Leadership – they signal a negative environment where you may not be able to do your best work.

2024 Graduates, I wish you great success and happiness as your future unfolds!