Friday, June 25, 2010

What Do Employers Really Want?

As a job-seeker, you may be curious as to what prospective employers really want from an employee. Do they want someone who is independent-minded, or an individual who is more team-oriented? Are they searching for someone who has new ideas, or would they prefer someone who can simply carry out the ideas that are generated by management? While certain individual employers may vary in their expectations, some job qualifications are considered universal.

A good communicator

Not only must you be good at face-to-face communications, you must also be able to speak well on the phone. However, perhaps just as importantly, you should be a skilled listener. In addition, it helps significantly if you have stellar writing skills. Since so much of business involves interaction with other people, be they co-workers, bosses, customers, or clients, it is difficult to secure a position without proven communication skills.

A computer user

Whether you are looking for work in an office or factory, restaurant or auto shop, chances are you will have to be able to use a computer. At the minimum, you should be able to handle word processing, e-mail, and Internet searches. If you consider yourself computer illiterate, it might be appropriate to take a computer course at your local library or community college.

A flexible person

The business world is in a constant state of change. As a result, you must be able to adapt to changing circumstances. If you are rigid in your thinking, you might have difficulty finding a job. Today's employers want workers who are, quite simply, not afraid of change.

A tolerant person

Since the workplace is becoming increasingly diverse, it is critically important that you are tolerant of individuals of different races and cultures. Diversity is a key issue in businesses today. If you don't show a degree of sensitivity, you may be passed over for jobs.

A good organizer

Organization is often the key to success. Unless you demonstrate an ability to organize thoughts and ideas, you are likely to find yourself floundering in your job search. If you are applying for a management position, you will also have to show that you can organize work for other people.

A team player

Most employers don't have time to deal with prima donnas. They want individuals who are team players, who will sacrifice their own desires for the good of other people in the workplace. In today's business climate, no man is an island. You simply have to be able to work professionally with other people-both men and women.

An expert problem-solver

No matter what kind of job you hold, you will be faced with numerous problems. While some problems may be too difficult for you to handle alone, others require thoughtful consideration on your part. Therefore, you need to be able to demonstrate expert reasoning ability.

The key to success

The degree of success you achieve in your job search depends upon your ability to master the preceding roles. If you can convince an employer that you can play all the roles well, you are far more likely to be awarded a job.


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