How to Find Purpose and Meaning in Your Job: Expert Insights and Recruitment Advice 

In today’s working world, more people than ever are asking the same question: Does my job really matter to me? 

If you’ve been reflecting on what your work means, you’re not alone. As professionals continue to navigate hybrid work, changing priorities and evolving industries, the search for purpose-driven careers is becoming more urgent. 

At Atkins Search Recruitment, we work with candidates and clients across the built environment, construction and consultancy sectors who are ready to align their skills with something more meaningful. Whether you’re a senior project manager, a newly qualified surveyor or a consultant seeking work that reflects your values, we’re here to help you find it. 

What is Meaning in Your Job and a Purpose-Driven Career? 

A purpose-driven career is where your work aligns with your values, contributes positively to the world, and brings personal fulfilment. 

Shannon Houde, certified executive leadership coach, explains this could mean working for organisations that prioritise their people and profit, or choosing employers that take sustainability, social impact and ethical leadership seriously. 

At Atkins Search, we regularly partner with employers in sectors such infrastructure, construction, and consultancy, where their culture goes beyond profit, prioritising their employees and giving professionals the chance to work on projects that make a lasting difference. 

Why Purpose and Meaning in Your Job Matters More Than Ever 

Recently career reflection has surged. Nearly 60% of workers in the United Kingdom wish to switch careers in 2025 and the Learning and Work Institute’s (L&W) survey finds that over two thirds (69%) of people looking to switch careers say they will need to develop their skills to do so. Many people are questioning whether their current job aligns with their core values or if it’s simply a means to an end. 

This reflection often leads to questions like: 

• What motivates me to get out of bed every morning? 

• Does my work contribute to something greater than profit? 

• Am I using my skills in a way that helps others? 

When candidates and job seekers reach out to us at Atkins Search with these questions, we know it’s time to look beyond the job title and focus on personal alignment, cultural fit and long-term satisfaction. 

How to Discover What Matters Most to You and Meaning in Your Job

If you’re struggling to identify what gives your career meaning, here are a few practical exercises that we recommended: 

• Values mapping: List your top five personal values and match them with the culture of the organisation you’re considering. 

• Issue mapping: Identify social or environmental issues that make you feel strongly. These often point to causes you care deeply about. 

• Style profiling: Understand your working style and the type of environment where you thrive. 

Once you’ve done the self-work, it becomes much easier to identify employers who reflect your beliefs. 

Matching Purpose with Profession 

You don’t have to work in the charity or NGO sector to make an impact. Many construction and consultancy firms are now investing heavily in ESG (environmental, social and governance) strategy, diversity and inclusion, and social value delivery. 

Atkins Search has seen an increase in purpose-led roles such as: 

• Sustainability consultants 

• Social value surveyors 

• Construction ethical procurement specialists 

• Net-zero project leads 

We help candidates articulate their personal values on paper and in interviews so they can demonstrate alignment with the employer’s mission. This is especially powerful when targeting public sector frameworks or socially responsible developers. 

Tips for Making a Purposeful and Meaningful Career Move 

If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s how to position yourself effectively: 

1. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect shared values with the employer. 

2. Use LinkedIn to tell your personal story and highlight purpose-driven achievements. 

3. Research the employer’s impact work, CSR reports and leadership statements. 

4. Prepare to ask questions about values and culture during your interview. 

At Atkins Search we understand interviews work two-ways, candidates proving themselves to be the right hire, and also construction firms ensuring they are culturally aligned to their employees. 

Why Work with Atkins Search? 

We are a relationship-driven search recruitment agency that focuses on the built environment, including construction, infrastructure, and consultancy. We support professionals who are looking to progress and development in their construction career, both professionally and personally. We match people with roles where they can grow, lead and do meaningful work. 

When you work with us, you benefit from: 

• A network of purpose-led employers 

• Insightful career guidance from sector specialists tailored to your goals 

• Support with personal branding and career storytelling 

• Long-term partnerships, not transactional recruitment 

• Access to expertly created CV and interview tips 

Atkins Search is here to help you take control of your career and find opportunities that feel aligned with who you are. 

Get in touch today to talk about how we can help you find a role where you make a living and a difference. 

Explore our current opportunities today! 

FAQs: Finding Meaning in Your Job with Atkins Search 

What is a purpose-driven career? 

A career that aligns with your personal values and allows you to contribute to a cause or mission beyond profit. 

How can I tell if a company shares my values? 

Research their CSR strategy, employee reviews, leadership messaging and social impact initiatives. We can also provide insights into company culture before you apply. 

Can I find meaningful work in the private sector? 

Absolutely. Many of our clients are committed to ESG, sustainability, diversity and long-term social impact. These are becoming core parts of business strategy. 

How do I show my values on my CV? 

We help candidates translate their passions and beliefs into professional language. Think about achievements that reflect your values and include them in your CV and interviews. 

Where does Atkins Search operate? 

We are based in Nottingham and serve the Midlands and UK-wide, partnering with clients and candidates across construction, infrastructure, consultancy and more. 

Is now the right time to switch jobs? 

If you’re seeking greater purpose or a better cultural fit, now is the right time to explore new opportunities. We will support you through every stage.