What Employers Want - part 2

Reliability and punctuality

Late is not great, but getting to work on time is. Being careful to not overuse sick time is a plus in an employer's eyes. Employers want employees that can be relied on. The employee who forces others to cover for them, or who constantly shows that they are unreliable, will have difficulty keeping (or finding) a job.

Flexibility and adaptability

The modern workplace is a rapidly changing environment, as technology changes and companies adapt to new methods. The employee who is adaptable and willing to learn new methods will do well. Some employers may use untraditional methods, or have jobs which combine several tasks and different skills in one job ("multitasking" is the byword used). The employee who has a good attitude towards change is viewed very positively according to employer surveys.

Thinking and learning ability

Employers want people who use critical thinking skills at work. It is not okay to have the attitude; "I already know everything." (Realistically, no one does). The ability to solve problems, make decisions, and find creative solutions are valued traits. The person who is constantly learning, and seeking to improve their knowledge base, is the one that employers will hire.

Academic skills and training

Employers value employees who have the schooling and background necessary for the position. In fact, salaries are often scaled in part according to the amount of education the person has obtained. Incentives and bonuses (and promotions) are given to those who put in the time and effort to obtain a degree (or even an advanced degree) and certifications to enhance their value in the workplace. Having this educational background will also give an applicant the edge over others when applying for a position.

Communication skills

Good, clear communication, whether during an oral presentation, or when writing a company memo, are valued traits in employees. Knowing how to listen is also another equally important skill, according to employers.

Company loyalty

While some "job hopping" is expected in certain industries, many employers (who don't want to have to constantly train new employees) consider a track record of staying with a company for several years a plus. In fact, some employers look very closely at how many times an applicant has changed positions in the past few years when considering who to hire. Trying to find a better position within a company, or trying to negotiate a salary increase before changing jobs are all considered positive actions, since they indicates company loyalty.

During an interview, an employer may ask questions to see how much company loyalty the person has, such as "Why are you looking for another position?" or "What did you not like about your last job?" It is important to not create the impression that you are using your jobs as "stepping stones" as you leap from company to company for higher pay. The interviewer will naturally assume that you will do the same at his company.

Also, never disparage your former employer in an interview, since this creates the impression of a poor attitude (see trait number one above). Instead, try to be positive about your current job, while stating that while you enjoy it, you are looking for more challenge, or a chance to make a real contribution in the workplace.

Technical qualifications

The less training the employer has to do, usually the more favorably the applicant is viewed. In industries driven by technical or programming expertise, this becomes especially important, and the applicant should emphasize their related skills. Often, the person with experience relevant to a position will be favored over the one with no experience.

Computer skills are also becoming more important in many workplaces, and employees with this ability will have an edge over those who don't.

The person who has the traits mentioned in this article will be the one that employers have stated they are looking for. They are enthusiastic, eager to learn, and are at work not "putting in time" to get a paycheck, but because their job interests them. They are using their creativity and expertise to help their company grow and expand its client base. The person who develops these traits will do well, whether looking for a job, or for a promotion within a company.

Resources:
(1) McLaughlin, M. (1992). "Employability Skills Profile: What Are Employers Looking For?" (Report 81-92-E). Ottawa, ON: Conference Board of Canada.

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