The pandemic has given employees time to pause and reflect on what matters most out of a career, including the kind of organization they work for. Many are realizing it is not enough to just be a cog in the wheel, they want to find meaningful work with an organization that prioritizes employee well-being and gives back to the community.
This isn’t new thinking. The Cone Communications Millennial Employee Study found that over half of millennials won’t take a job from a company lacking a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy. In a world where millennials and gen z make up a third of the workforce, this statistic has impact. Just as well, job loyalty starts to skyrocket at over 80% when a corporation contributes to the same social and environmental issues that employees cares about.
While this mindset and work culture shift are palpable, many folks still are unsure how they can best fill their 40+ hours in a career that matters to them.
The good news is that the Digital Age has made it easier than ever to find work. Before going down the internet rabbit hole, you need to define what your purpose is. Take your time with this.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Once you have identified your skills and capabilities, along with the values alignment you’re looking for with a company, it’s time to figure out which companies to intentionally seek out.
Look at the causes you care about and research which companies donate, support and are actively involved in those spaces. Get your boots on the ground and go to events centered around your occupational areas of interest. Once there, find out which companies are sponsoring the event and chat with the likeminded individuals to see where they work. Once you have some inspiration, you are ready to begin your research.
Once you know which organizations align with your goals, you’re off to a fantastic start! Now it’s time to do some research and networking. First and foremost, you should uncover these things about the companies you are interested in.
Then, utilize the internet for opportunities. Linkedin can be your best friend here. Take time to find current employee profiles and study their growth trajectory. Follow organizations’ Linkedin pages to stay informed on their latest job openings. If your background aligns with a posting, apply with a resume that showcases your relevant skills. Then, if you land an interview, be sure to read up on articles about the company and listen to any podcasts that their executives have been a part of. Since purpose-driven opportunities are in high demand, you want to make sure you stand out as a candidate.
All in all, there are a plethora of resources that can help you get started. If you still need some guidance on where to look, poke around these websites for inspiration:
