Employee Traits That Employers Look For, Part 1 |
|
Email | Add Comment | Read Comments
|
|
|
|
Posted By: Staff Editor In: Business Professional
Content Provided by EzineArticles.com. Written by Scott McQuarrie
There are two different sets of skills that candidates must possess if they want to be among the ones that employers consider for job openings. The category often referred to as "hard skills" includes the college degree, other educational attainments, general communications abilities and those precisely defined job-related skills that define the specialty.
There is a second, increasingly important category of qualities that employers wish to examine, and they often examine these just as closely as the hard skills. Known as "soft skills," these are such personal values, critical thinking tools and character traits as you will need for success in the specified career. Some may be innate abilities while other soft skills can actually be cultivated and refined throughout a lifetime.
Numerous studies and years of business questionnaires have identified the leading soft skills that top employers seek in an employee. You should honestly assess your own strengths and weaknesses in these areas. Clearly, the more of these essential characteristics an employer sees in you, and reads about in your resume, the better your chances of landing the job you want.
Communications skills
The very first "personal asset" listed by the majority of employers today is "communications skills." An employee able to listen attentively, speak precisely, read fast and write well is highly valued in every line of business these days, as communications skills seem to have eroded in the last several generations. Hard lessons were learned about this basic skill set when it began disappearing, for a time, from our nation's college graduates.
Based on the notion, once popular in the 1970s and 1980s, that high-tech workers didn't need English grammar if they knew the C++ and Java programming languages, the trend toward "focused training" as opposed to "general education" held sway with professional educators for a mercifully short time. The notion that language skills were expendable was debunked long ago. If anything, basic language skills support the acquisition and retention of other complex "languages" used for programming and computer security.
Solid foundations
Without clear communication, no aspect of a business enterpriser will work effectively, not sales or service, certainly not advertising or management. If you are an "exceptional listener and communicator who clearly, effectively conveys verbal and written information," then you should say so, in a similarly succinct fashion, on your resumes and applications.
As far as general high-tech skills are concerned, even fast food restaurants require employees to have at least basic computer skills and enough technical aptitude to learn an in-house system. Just about every white-collar office position requires a degree of computer hardware and software familiarity, too, particularly with word processing, database, Internet browser and email applications.
Flexibility and insight
There is a lot more managing going on in companies, both large and small, than can be handled by people with "manager" in their titles. Employees at all levels are now responsible for managing multiple tasks, adjusting to changing work conditions, setting priorities, coordinating team efforts and targeting (and retargeting) a constantly shifting set of goals. What employers are looking for, at all levels of responsibility, are natural-born, decisive leaders who can quickly assess a situation, figure out what to do and when to do it, juggle simultaneous tasks and do so, day in and day out, without undue stress.
While employers certainly want workers who can use their heads on technical issues, they also want people who can analyze situations, assemble the information necessary for making "people" decisions and target key matters that need priority attention. This skill also manifests in an employee's ability to see the simple, straightforward steps that may be obscured by overly complicated procedures and processes.
Interpersonal and leadership skills
The catchall term, "interpersonal skills," describes the manner in which you relate to people, resolve conflicts and, if you are a supervisor or manager, encourage, motivate and lead others. Companies of every kind benefit from having "relationship builders" who can help achieve consensus and deal with abrasive personalities in a firm but sensitive manner.
Some say that leadership is a quality you are born with, while others make a good case that it is a set of learned habits. If you are able to take charge in confusing and critical situations, and have always found a way to bring squabbling co-workers together again, then you were born with it - or learned it along the way! Who can say?
What one can say is that goal-driven leaders create and maintain environments of productivity. If you can motivate, mobilize and mentor others in the pursuit and attainment of high performance standards, then you are a leader, whether born or bred. If you have the important traits, that somewhat mysterious mix of experiences and insight, you will be in great demand from the growing number of companies that are learning to hire "attitudes and aptitudes" instead of merely "resumes and references."
Part 2 of this article discusses the work ethic, and a way to embrace it with both passion and professionalism.
After founding his first security firm in 1990, Scott McQuarrie built several security-related companies into regional and national powerhouses over the ensuing years. Since 2000 he has focused his sales and marketing efforts on the Internet, which opened up a virtually unlimited, international market for his flagship product line, EZWatch Pro.
The EZWatch Pro brand has come to stand for world-class expertise in electronic security, video surveillance and the myriad technologies involved in both fields. From small houses to gigantic international airports, there is an EZWatch Pro solution to meet any and every residential, business, commercial and government security challenge.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Posted by: Theresa
This has made my day. I wish all postings were this good.
|
|
|
Posted by: Kaeden
Sounds great to me
|
|
|
Posted by: KM Farrier
Richard Kennedy, you rock!
|
|
|
Posted by: Kailene
What do I tell an employer who asks why I left my last position, when I have been fired.
|
|
|
Posted by: Ann
I recently had an interview with a company I would love to work for. However, the only problem is that I'm not fluent in Spanish. The meeting went good with the HR representative, however when I met with the Sales Manager of the Dept he appeared to be extremely tired from traveling and the first question he asked me if I was fluent in Spanish. If they were truly looking for someone with the language skill why was I called in to meet with them. I have the work experience they are looking for along with the software skills required to do the job.I truly think it was bad timing. The gentleman appeared very nice, however I didn't really have a chance to speak only after he asked me if I had any questions. It was nice to have a conversation with someone who didn't interagate you and ask a lot of questions in which would make you feel unconfortable. Half way through his discussion I went into my quiet mode and I feel my personality didn't shine through this time. My summary of this matter is that if they cannot find a bi-lingual rep I may be considered. What are your thougts on this situation?
|
|
|
Posted by: Kathleen
Richard, The VP of Contracts sounds a little odd, especially in his question. My response would have been, "since I have no experience in this area I would contact someone who does for the answer." Good luck with the position.
|
|
|
Posted by: arlette
good to know
|
|
|
Posted by: thomas birke
Often I am sent to interviews with descriptions from a recruiter. I get to the interview and suddenly some not previously mentioned hard skills are required that I am not stong in. Do I write the situation off or try to finess my way around it?
|
|
|
Posted by: Anica Ioanas
Hello, Thanks a lot for all the information you provided here. I think that all are very informative and helpful for me too. I wish to be able to get them earlier, even that, I hope that is not too late so I can take care of my credit issue. The previous questions/answers were extremely helpful too. There is another problem that is affecting me: my communication. I’m an ESL speaker, with English pronunciation issues, that are concerning me most of the time. What should I do? Please advise. Thanks again.
|
|
|
Posted by: Barry Wood
After jumping through many hoops I got a overseas job that required experience and a secret clearance, when I got to the job there were so many young people there that had a clearance but no real experience so these HR's are filling a need with unqualified personnel and the pro's are picking up their slack. then these HR's are black listing some of the more experienced people, this will only drive up the cost of construction, not having qualified people will be the downfall. I was there I saw it myself, no skills just a clearance, and then the supers are stuck with them so they end up sweeping floors for 36.00 $ an hour. HR's need to do their job a lot better than they are, a lot of talent is being wasted because they are giving the jobs to the people that don't come close to qualifing for it.
|
|
|
Posted by: liz kennedy
To Patty Burton, Remind that head hunter about the inter-personal skills you must have to deal with stressed out parents, Attention seeking children, employee's etc. Kids period are tough, much less all the adults you must deal with. All with a smiling face, I'm sure.
|
|
|
Posted by: Patricia
Very informative! Thanks for answering the comments and questions. My dilema is this..I was recently fired from a position that I held for 7 years. The company said it was due to complaints about me but would give me no details. I wrote the HR Director for details as instructed and he told me " freedom to pursue other job opportunities" then blocked my unemployment due to "misconduct". The unemployment office gave me the documentation they had and I filed an appeal stating that the complaints were incorrect information and explained my side. The HR director said in his letter that they would only give references to future employers about how long I worked and what my title was. I think they usually answer questions about rehire as well. Should I trust them? What are my options...not getting answers to my resumes/applications.
|
|
|
Posted by: Lucienne
In an interview, when they ask you a question like: How do you manage the stress? What will you answer?
|
|
|
Posted by: Roger Glubis
Those 'way out there questions' that have no right or wrong answers are common amongst skilled interviewers. You're right, Terry, on the surface they have no bearing on the position ... but they do. The interviewer is not looking for the solution, but in how you react to the question / problem. Do you get flustered, or do you approach it with some a calmness that will indicate how you work under pressure.
|
|
|
Posted by: Barbara Schultz
Richard, thank you for stepping up to the plate and responding to all. Great job, thank you! NOW if you would answer Terry Boone's re: the garden hose. I'd like your insight. I have 4 45min interviews on Tuesday w/the same company - I need to see how to answer that off the wall question before I get to the interviews scheduled! thanks!!
|
|
|
Posted by: Toubie Jack
A great read, thanks! And thanks to Richard Kennedy for a very insightful reply too.
|
|
|
Posted by: Darnell
I just wanted to say thank you to Richard. I have an AAS in Early Childhood Education. I am a Phi Theta Kappa member, as well as the VP of Scholarship for this society. I am a member of the Sigma Kappa Delta, which is the English Society. Whenever I have interviewed for jobs, I am often told the classes I took were probably easy ones and that is why I am a member of these two Societies. I have been very frustrated with that remark, as it has come from several HR people. One thing I have decided I am going to say from this moment on is exactly what Richard pointed out...that I have been entrusted with the most precious part of many people's lives which is their children..that I have had to go through criminal background checks, health exams, and numerous other inspections and exams to work in this field. Thank you!
|
|
|
Posted by: Wilda Lerczak
Terry B., I think he was pulling your leg! I would have responded that I couldn't be sure as garden hose is measured by linear feet, not square feet. But if we need the square footage...are we talking about a 3/4 in. or a 5/8 in. hose?
|
|
|
Posted by: James
OK, I have been interviewing for 3 different positions with 3 different companies. #1 began with a phone interview to verify and set up another phone interview that led to an face to face with 3 managers all separately and the last one continuing the interview over lunch. After the proper thank you letters and follow up correspondence. I heard nothing for a month, until receiving a call yesterday to schedule another interview for a consulting position. (Not the original position and not long term). Problem: I have not been a consultant and have no idea what to seek in compensation. Any Help would be appreciates
|
|
|
Posted by: Patricia Johnson
To Terry Boone: I would answer " Garden hose doesn't come in square feet, only linear feet. Do you want to know the number of feet from the N to the S of NY, the E to the W of NY, or the circumference of the State of NY?" :) He wanted to see if you could think "outside the box" while under pressure.
|
|
|
Posted by: JimH
It still seems that employers have little interest in workers over 45. The farther you are away from 45, the older you are, the less they care what your skill sets are. I have both managerial and technical degrees and abilities. professional licenses, a stellar work record from perfect attendance to awards for cost savings and equipment improvement, and a stack of technical training and skills enhancement training certificates. I have written before and held positions where I conducted meetings, led groups, and all the other communication critical activities. I even designed and taught training programs to help enhance skills of other workers. I sent out over 500 resumes and job applications. From those I was invited to eight interviews. Two were looking for very specific skills on specific brands and types of equipment, but with the rest it became immediately apparent as soon as they saw me it was a no-go when it was clear I was 10+ years older than the co-workers. I saw several former co-workers who were much younger than me with the most marginal skill sets, a few without even formal education, and were terrible at their jobs get hired without difficulty. I was one of four applicants who applied for a job at a new auto manufacturing facility that opened near to me. I had a better skill set, more education, and lived closer than the other three. All of them were called and I wasn't even considered. A major soft drink company called me for an interview. It turned immediately openly hostile after the interviewer saw me and my gray hairs. I was practically thrown out. The economy being what it is employers have their pick of candidates and seem to be opting for younger workers. It doesn't seem to matter what field it's in.
|
|
|
Posted by: Chuck Coleman
What if you're autistic? You can be the most competent person for the task at hand, but have absolutely no ability to lead people beyond mentoring. Moreover, communications are often nonverbal which is difficult for us, both sending and receiving.
|
|
|
Posted by: Laura Howell
I worked for a company for three years. I was promoted twice in the three years. In April I was given a 3.5% merit increase, and when I was fired, I was two weeks away from being vested. May 1st, I was fired "because my performance did not meet" the controller's expectations. How do I handle this aspect on my resume. I know prospective employers contact this ex-employer.
|
|
|
Posted by: Jim Ervin
How do you feel about age discrimination for the job-seeker in their 50's or 60's or even late 40's? This can be a very discouraging factor in employment seeking. Since there are laws against it in Canada, age is seldom mentioned in a job advertisement. But as soon as questions are asked which will determine one's age, especially the social insurance number question, the job applicant can be assured that age discrimination is being practiced.
|
|
|
Posted by: Amy
To Terry: Garden hose is measured by length, feet in this case. Square feet is area.
|
|
|
Posted by: Amy
Terry Boone: Garden hose is measured in length measurements, not area. Square feet is area. The number of feet is how you discuss garden hose length, not the square feet. The English might ask for metric meters of garden hose.
|
|
|
Posted by: Charles Tolhurst
Terry, I would tell him that there was no such measure as square foot of garden hose. He may of been trying to determine if you were listening, and if you wwere, if you were going to attempt to make up a phony answer to the invalid question. Evaluate quickly and be honest - if the question doesn't make sense to you, just say so - I don't understand the measure "square feet of garden hose, nor do I understand how that applies to the state of New York."
|
|
|
Posted by: Terry Boone
Richard - All of your responses to those questions were dead on and THANK YOU so much for responding to them. Your feedback was exactly what I needed to hear. I recently interviewed for a position by five department heads and the last one, the Corporate VP of Contracts asked me a very highly unusual question (which he initially stated was no right or wrong response to). The question was: How do you determine the square foot of garden hose needed for the State of New York? My question is - how would you response to this type of question? P.S. The question had nothing to do with the position I interview for, its responsibilities, or the type of industry of this specific organization. Thx.
|
|
|
Posted by: RomusMagee
The article told a lot of good topics on having the right credentials to do a job. It also spoke on having good communication skills and how important it is to use them. I think it was very informing.
|
|
|
Posted by: Richard Kennedy
Ever hear the old saying that if you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem? Well I like to be part of the solution. So I am going to put my long experience and knowledge to use and provide my personal answers to each of the above problems Okay?Annie: If you have had a lot of jobs in a short period of time then don't list them on your resume. Forget they ever happened.To be perceived as a serious candidate when you have been consulting you should refer your interviewers to your list of satisfied clients. When you are consulting your clients become your employers of record.Alma: When someone asks you "tell me about yourself" you should answer: "Well there's really quite a lot to tell, can you narrow down for me what types of things you would like to know?" Or you can be even more take charge by responding: "Well I assume you want to know about my professional history and accomplishments". Then you tell them how you walk on water.Claire: When you leave a job that's "not your cup of tea" you tell an interviewer that: "I had a position that I realized was not a good fit for me personally or professionally. I now have a much better understanding of myself, my career goals and in what kind of position I can contribute the most to a company. That's why I'm here today interviewing with you".Josh: If you have an idea of what your problem is then you are halfway home toward solving that problem. You perceive that you lack "social grace". You need to get your top five best buds together, tell them upfront that you know you lack social grace and that you are relying on them as your friends to be honest with you about what you can do to solve that problem. If your friends won't be honest with you, then they are not your friends.Mike Taggart: See my answers to Annie and Alma above.Patty Burton: That headhunter was an idiot. Some of the dumbest people I have ever met are headhunters. In interviews emphasize that as a day care provider you are an entrepreneur entrusted with the most important asset that people have, their children. Point out too that you had to pass state and local inspections and investigations in order to have your business and that as a result anyone can be sure that you are absolutely squeaky clean. You are a business person who can be trusted with anything.Charlotte: You answered your own question. Smart woman.Santiago: The fact that you got to a second interview proves that you did a great job on the first interview. Review in your mind the kinds of topics that were discussed in the first interview. You can probably assume, especially if the company is a good sized one, that the second interview will stress many of the same issues. One key point: In a second interview they will probably be looking more at the subject of fit. Be sure to emphasize to your interviewers what a good fit you are for the company. You are one of them.
|
|
|
Posted by: Santiago Rosas
Hello,Thank you for that insight information, I find your material quite informative and of course helpful. I do have two questions regarding one being invited to the ' 2nd interview ' process. First of all, what type or questions, characters is the employer looking for? The second question, how does one prepare themselves for the second interview, in which I believe is probably the hardest of all interviews??Please advise.Santiago Rosas
|
|
|
Posted by: Charlotte
I would also appreciate some advice as to reponding when an interviewer seems focused on negatives. For example, during my last interview I was asked several questions regarding negative situations. "What did you dislike about your last job?" "Describe a job where you did not get along with a co-worker and how you handled that." "Describe a time when you were under a lot of pressure and describe how you handled it." "Explain how you deal with conflict in the office." There were other similar questions, and I didn't get the job, but now that I think back, perhaps I didn't want to work there after all. Perhaps a preponderance of those kinds of questions indicate that the office is fraught with conflict and drama. Hmmm...
|
|
|
Posted by: Diana Maldonado
Thank you so much for the wonderful article. I wish I had this article last week that I had two intervies, but I really appreciated anyway for the future.
|
|
|
Posted by: Patty Burton
I've had a day care business for the last 5 years with employees. I was told by a head hunter that I was a high priced stay at home mom. How can I get past this as a perception in future interviews?
|
|
|
Posted by: Linda Becker
This is a great article. The interpersonal skills are needed to get along with your team mates. You really need the cohesion to mesh together as there will be little or no conflict at all.
|
|
|
Posted by: Michael Taggart
Posted by: Annie On: 10/5/2009 2:38:59 AMWhat about a person who's had a lot of jobs in a short period due to several company layoffs? OR what do you do to convince HR professionals that you are a viable inhouse or corporate candidate when you've been consulting for a few years?! Thanks I'd like to hear the answers to these questions posted by previous posters:Posted by: Alma On: 10/8/2009 3:27:54 PMHello, I would like to know what would be the perfect answer when employers ask "tell me about your self" or what you didn't like about your last job?
|
|
|
Posted by: josh
what does one do if they definitely, demonstratedly do NOT posess the aforementioned 'soft skills' or being able to 'relate' well? even though i listen attentively, speak precisely, and write well, companies do not seem to appreciate these facets of my personality; instead choosing to focus on what they may perceive as a lack of social grace, although that is never my intent. what should someone in my position do?
|
|
|
Posted by: Claire Ferreira
How do I answer why I left my last position, but not state the real answer? Medical field not my "cup of tea".thanks,
|
|
|
Posted by: Alma
Hello, I would like to know what would be the perfect answer when employers ask "tell me about your self" or what you didn't like about your last job?
|
|
|
Posted by: Annie
What about a person who's had a lot of jobs in a short period due to several company layoffs? OR what do you do to convince HR professionals that you are a viable inhouse or corporate candidate when you've been consulting for a few years?! Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Email | Add Comment | Read Comments
|
|
|
|
Are you looking for an opportunity to get your ideas and articles published?
Post an Article
|
