How to Find a Job With purpose

How do you go about finding a job that brings deeper purpose and satisfaction?

In recent years, the idea of working with purpose has gained significant momentum. While it used to be more common for people in midlife to reflect on their careers and consider a shift toward something more meaningful, careers expert John Lees, author of 'How to find a job you love' says this search for purpose now spans all age groups.

So how do you go about finding a job that brings deeper satisfaction?

Start with Curiosity

Rather than rushing to apply for new roles, treat your job search as a kind of research project. Begin by speaking with people who genuinely enjoy their jobs. Ask them what makes their work fulfilling, what drew them to their sector, and what keeps them motivated. These conversations can offer valuable clues about the types of roles or industries that might be a better fit for you.

Explore Purpose-Driven Sectors

While the idea of “meaningful work” is personal and varies from person to person, some sectors are more closely aligned with a sense of purpose. For example, roles in healthcare, counselling, or coaching often involve helping others directly and can be incredibly rewarding. Jobs in construction or engineering can provide a tangible sense of impact, where the results of your work are visible and lasting. There’s also meaning to be found in craftsmanship - producing high-quality materials or products - and in service roles that value customer experience, such as hospitality or hairdressing.

For others, purpose may come from innovation. Working in tech that transforms how people live or access services, for instance, can offer a deep sense of contribution. The key is to identify what kind of impact resonates most with you.

Think About Environment and Culture

Finding meaningful work isn’t just about what you do - it’s also about where and with whom you do it. Careers expert John Lees suggests reflecting on the environments that bring out your best. Do you thrive in collaborative teams or prefer independent work? Are you energised by fast-paced settings or do you value stability? Think about past work experiences that left you feeling proud or satisfied and use those as a guide.

It’s also important to investigate the internal culture of organisations you’re considering. Look for employers who back up their mission statements with real commitments to employee development, learning opportunities, and wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to reach out to current or former employees to get a sense of what day-to-day life is really like.

Reflect Before You Apply

Before jumping into applications, take time to look inward. Consider where you’ve made contributions that felt significant to you. What were the common themes - collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, mentoring? Understanding where you’ve found meaning in the past can help you pinpoint roles where you’ll feel a similar sense of value and impact going forward.

Once you have a clearer picture, target organisations that demonstrate a strong learning culture and openness to change. These are often the environments where employees feel more invested and have greater opportunities to shape their work.

Be Intentional at Interview

When it comes to interviews, don’t simply accept what you’re told at face value. Use the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about company culture, values, and what progression really looks like. Lees encourages jobseekers to “interrogate values in a positive way” - find out how the company supports purpose, growth, and autonomy in practice, not just in brochures.

You Don’t Always Have to Start Over

If changing careers entirely isn’t practical for you right now - especially if you’re managing financial responsibilities or caring for others - it’s still possible to bring more purpose into your working life.

Lees advises looking for ways to reshape your current role. For example, if mentoring others is the most fulfilling part of your job, you might explore opportunities in training or development within your existing organisation. Sometimes the change you need is closer than you think.

John Lees is a renowned UK careers expert and author of How to Get a Job You Love.