What Employers Want

Now that you know who you are, it is time to get ready to let the employer know about you. When informing an employer about your abilities and skills in a resume, cover letter or during an interview, don’t do what so many job seekers do – telling about themselves from their perspective. You need to tell an employer information from their point-of-view. Give them what they need to know, so they can meet their goal of filling a position with the best available candidate. Not doing this is actually creating a barrier against your goal of getting the job you are applying for.

            Realize the hiring process is not about pleasing you. It is about informing the employer about what you have to offer. However, the information provided should be encapsulated within your marketing program in such a fashion as to be in your best interest. In other words you are looking out for you.

            Employers need to know about you in relation to your abilities, skills, interests and motivation as they pertain to their needs for the position. They normally hire a person who has the attributes to perform the duties of the position. They want to know if from your past performance in either school or jobs, whether you can provide them with the benefits necessary to meet their expectations. Of course there are always exceptions in hiring such as the hiring of a friend or relative. This is something you can do nothing about.

            After finding positions you are qualified to fill, your goal in the job search process should be to demonstrate how well you fit the needs of the employer for the job or jobs you have targeted. In other words, you need to persuade the employer in writing and in conversation why you are the best choice. Past performance and accomplishments are generally what employers use to predict future performance.

            In order to accomplish this goal you must first know yourself, which is the reason for the previous sections. To get ready to prepare your resume make sure you have thoroughly reviewed your skills and abilities. Think about what courses have you completed in school. What were your past job responsibilities? What have you accomplished in your career? Have you been promoted? Do you have any special skills? Consider quantitative and qualitative information of accomplishments when you can.

            Be prepared to show skills like you are a good writer or have knowledge of specific software. Consider if you are good at multi-tasking, leading a team, taking initiative, creating or organizing.

            The purpose behind this is so you can go through and select the relevant information about you that pertains to a position of interest. Get as many details about the available position (described in the next sections) as you can.

            Why would someone want to hire you for this job?

            When doing cover letters or resumes answer this question. Make sure you demonstrate your background orchestrated to the needs of the employer. When you get an interview, make sure you do the same in any conversations. Often there is more than one interview or interviewers.

            The interviewer is probably a stranger, so approach him/her to charm and impress. This is your chance to shine. Don’t try to be modest. Don’t be overbearing either.

            Many job seekers only list job duties and responsibilities when describing themselves. Employers want to know more. Let them know what you have actually accomplished while in school or on the job. Give them outcomes, benefits and actual progress made.

            Be prepared to explain how you achieved your accomplishments during an interview. These may come as follow up questions from the interviewer.

            This approach allows the employer to know what to expect from you in future performance. It paints more of a complete picture of what you are all about.

            When you are competing against others in the employment market, you want to have every advantage you can to get the job you truly want. Take the time to know yourself so you can let employers know who you really are.