Create a Personal Mission Statement That Resonates With Employers
Have you ever wondered what makes an employer see you as the right fit? It mostly comes down to how to create a personal mission statement that clearly shows your values and goals. Nearly 73% of job seekers avoid companies whose values don’t match theirs. Similarly, employers also want people who share their vision.
In this article, we explain the steps on how to create a personal mission statement that will leave a strong impression.
How to Create a Personal Mission Statement
To know how to create a personal mission statement, you need to follow a few simple but important steps. These steps will make the whole process clearer and easier. Here is what you need to do to find out how to create a personal mission statement:
Start with the Basics
You should start by understanding what a personal mission statement is. It is a short sentence that outlines your purpose and career goals. It helps you stay focused and tells employers what matters to you.
Your university’s career guide can support you in writing it through its different tools. We encourage students to seek help from our career counselor team and take advantage of their shared resources.
Know Your Strengths and Values
Focus on what you do well and what guides your decisions or actions. Only 34% of managers can name their employees' strengths, so it is important that you identify and express yours clearly. When learning how to create a personal mission statement, make sure you highlight your strengths and values so employers can see what you bring to the table.
Focus on Your Purpose
Think about why you want to do the kind of work you are aiming for. Your purpose is the reason behind your career goals and the impact you hope to make. When writing your mission statement, make this purpose clear so employers can understand what motivates you and why you are a good fit for their team.
Start with a Draft
A mission statement usually consists of just one or two sentences, but writing it takes time and effort. You may need to create several drafts before you get it right. The first version can be full of mistakes, and that is okay. Just combine what you have gathered about your strengths, values, and goals.
Most resumes, about 80%, are rejected before even reaching a hiring manager, and only a small number get noticed. The same applies to your mission statement and other career documents. That is why you should first create rough drafts and keep revising them until they are 100% clear and error-free.
Make it Clear and Concise
After writing your drafts, check if your statement is easy to understand. Employers should quickly see what you want and what you offer. Avoid vague or wordy lines, and be precise. For example, instead of saying, “I hope to grow in different areas,” you can say, “I aim to build a career in marketing strategy.” This will show you have a clear direction for your goals.
Match Your Statement to the Job
Your mission statement should fit the job you are applying for. Whenever you apply to a specific job, adjust the statement to reflect the company’s values and job role. This will show that you understand what the employer wants. A well-matched statement will make a stronger impression during the hiring process.
If you are an alumnus or student at National Louis University, you can use our online job portal to search for employers.
FAQs
What are the five criteria for a successful mission statement?
A successful mission statement should be clear, focused, and meaningful. It must also reflect your values and goals and be easy for employers to understand. A good mission statement also connects with the kind of work you want to do and leaves a strong impression.
How to start a mission statement?
To start writing your mission statement, first think about what matters the most to you, like your values and passions. Ask yourself what kind of impact you want to make. Then write one strong sentence that clearly shows your purpose, and take it from there.
What are the three things a mission statement must have?
A mission statement should include your purpose, values, and goals. It must answer why you do what you do, what matters most to you, and what you aim to achieve. These three parts will make your statement complete and powerful.
Conclusion
Once you know how to create a personal mission statement, you can understand yourself better and show employers what you stand for. It will clarify your goals and show how well you fit a company’s values. Take time to write it properly.
Learn more about National Louis University’s career tools that can support your job search and future goals.
