8 Top Qualities That Employers Want To See in Every Job Candidate
Have you been getting passed over for jobs either at the application stage or the actual interview?
Do you know what employers are looking for in their EMPLOYEES or from the people they hire?
Do you worry that your symptoms of ADHD are apparent and might be getting in the way?
Do you know if you are meeting with your future boss or the HR Director?
Most job seekers typically go to job interviews expecting the employer to focus on their resume, experience, education, and skills. You may be surprised that employers usually focus on learning about you. Many of my clients question when someone does not focus on every part of their resume.
They watch your demeanor, attitude, and how you process the questions they ask you. There is no doubt that you are probably highly qualified for the job you are interviewing for, but you might not be the best at being intentional about putting your best foot forward in the interview process.
When you are searching for a job,
it's like you are on an extended audition.
-Lynn
Whether you send a cover letter and resume, are being interviewed for a job, or working as an intern, you are constantly being watched to see if you are a good fit. And you never know who may be watching.
Why Does This Matter So Much?
Many of my clients tell me they are good at interviewing right off the bat. However, afterward, those same clients admitted they were not as prepared as they thought for the tough questions. You might be the best candidate for the job, but if you are getting passed over time after time, you should try these tips out before your NEXT interview.
In this blog, I will share the actual down-and-dirty truth about what employers look for in their new hires. Of course, you always want to make sure that you convey, as well as possible, these qualities when preparing for your following interview. I can help you learn how to "outsmart" your competition with the information I will share with you.
Top things that EMPLOYERS want in an employee
Focus on the details of what the employer is looking for in a new employee. Are you qualified for the job? Have you read the complete job description? Take the additional time to review every line of the job posting and learn as much as you can about that company or boss before you apply.
Understand all about the company, what it does, where it is located, and whom they serve. Make sure to research the company as part of your job interview preparation. You probably already had most of this information when you prepared the customized cover letter and resume you submitted. You want to show the employer that you are interested in working with them and are not just looking to get a job.
Come prepared to interview with many different people at different levels and experiences. Learn and practice answering the types of questions generally asked in job interviews. You want to show the interviewer that you are fully prepared by having your answers thought out (and practiced).
Know information about the company's values, goals, management style, profitability, competition, and specific job role. Follow similar companies and organizations on LinkedIn and in the news.
Are you qualified for the job or not (honestly)? Interviewers want to know what you are good at, your qualities, and your skills. Don't say yes to knowing something you don't know. Be honest.
Listen and answer questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. With ADHD, you might try to think ahead in an interview, but that might come off as disinterested or losing focus. Just do your best to answer the questions by using related thoughts or situations you have been in before.
Know yourself well and describe your soft skills, transferable skills, and people skills. Employers want to see you have personal attributes that will fit in with their team. They will be specifically interested in teamwork, solving problems, and being dependable, organized, flexible and resourceful.
Have a clear idea of what YOU are looking for and have your questions to ask them. It is best to write them down. You can look at them during an interview, and you can, and should, take notes!
Lastly, employers want you to be yourself. So you can relax and enjoy the conversation you are having. Maybe you have something in common with the interviewer. And realize, sometimes they are nervous asking the questions, as well!
Remember, whether or not an interview leads to a job offer, it is a valuable experience and a learning opportunity for the next time. Always leave a meeting or chat on a good note. And don't forget to ask for their business card or address so that you can SEND A HANDWRITTEN THANK YOU NOTE AFTER THE INTERVIEW (not an e-mail, please!).
