Aligning values in interviewing
Aligning values can ensure you get the right candidate for the job.
Peabody has ‘values’, but when I worked there I never saw that entrenched in the recruitment process. They sounded good though and the PR that went with it breathed cosy.
This week I had values training at NOAH (New Opportunities And Horizons). The organization is there to support the most disadvantaged in Luton and Bedfordshire. It was set up by Sister Eileen, a Daughter of Charity and the values come from the life work of St Vincent de Paul who back in his 16th century day revolutionized social care by his love, patience and kindness. He was helped by Louise de Marillac, who when she died had established 74 houses for Sisters of Charity in France and 2 in Poland.
We were asked what we liked best about the job at NOAH. I said that I liked working face to face with people to try and make their lives better and being trusted to use my own initiative. These tied in with values of meaningful work and public service. We were also given a long list of values and asked to choose our top 10 and then our top 5.
Mine were …. meaningful work, public service, change and variety, creativity, being around people who are open and honest.
It reminded me of the 7 Habits of Effective People where you are also asked to look at your values and to check that what you plan in your life will align with those values. ‘He promotes what he labels “the character ethic“: aligning one’s values with so-called universal and timeless principles’.
(Wikipedia)
My principles for living courtesy of Stephen Covey – BORN 59 (hazeldurbridge.com)
It is proven that if you are working in a role that aligns with your values you will not only be happier doing it, but also produce better results because your motivation will be so much greater.
I asked the trainer (who had actually interviewed me for the role) what question/s he asked to ascertain values. He says he asks the candidate to describe themselves doing something at work they are most happy with. He probes until their face begins to light up and they become animated. He said he will also ask more direct questions about values.
NOAH is not a Christian organization, but works respectfully with all faiths.