Our values guide our choices every day. From the small stuff like how to spend an afternoon to the biggest decisions of our lives, values are the root beliefs that guide action and help us lead a fulfilling life. Most of us can name at least a couple values that we hold dear, but fully integrating them into our livelihoods has the potential to bring much deeper meaning and purpose to our work.

Values are big concepts like honesty, creativity, honor, and justice. They’re commonly expressed to convey morals and ideals, but they become even more meaningful to us when we look at them within the context of our own lives. Personal core values are the principles that guide and motivate us. As non-negotiable boundaries, they help us articulate what we stand for. They enable us to practice integrity with consistency and engage with the world more authentically.

Searching for a more engaging job can be a daunting task. It’s as much about knowing yourself as it is about knowing what opportunities are out there. Here are 7 tips to help you as you look for your next work opportunity.