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» Employer Hot Buttons - What
Employers Look For
Focus on the Needs of the Decision Maker
All too often the job seeker is focused on what he or she is
looking for in a job (i.e. income, benefits, location, function,
responsibilities, title, stature, drive time, industry, and
corporate culture). On the other hand, hiring managers have
an entirely different set of standards for what they are seeking
in candidates. If you, as a job seeker, fail to recognize the
difference, you will be history in terms of being the candidate
of choice.
Let's explore the minds of decision makers and find their hot
buttons. When you focus your search on these factors through
your resume and through your interviews, you are more likely
to become the standard by which all other candidates will be
measured.
Employer hot buttons:
1. Ability to do the Job. Sounds simple enough, but you would
be amazed how many people apply for jobs for which they are
not qualified. Before the decision makers dig deep into a candidate's
background, or invite him or her in for an interview, they
must first confirm this very basic criterion. Establish your
ability through your resume or resume portfolio by placing
your emphasis on accomplishments, results performance and insights
into emerging trends, opportunities and challenges.
2. Initiative. Unless you are entry level, most decision makers
are looking for someone who can "hit the ground running." They
do not want a long learning curve that requires costly training
and where the new hire cannot produce quick results. Today's
decision makers have very little patience. Demonstrate how
you quickly identified a problem or need project, initiated
an action plan, and produced bottom-line results.
3. Job Growth. Decision makers look for people who go beyond
their defined "job description." Show that you are
adaptive and willing to take on additional responsibility and
that you will go the extra mile to achieve success. You don't
want to be perceived as someone who is stuck in the comfort
zone and always content with the status quo.
4. Self-Confidence. Decision makers want to know that they
can totally put their trust in you to perform the job and produce
the desired results. They develop this trust by seeing your
confidence. Confidence can be displayed in numerous ways. Here
are just a few of the things that decision makers look for:
A) Speak with authority. Use phrases like "I can," "I
will," and "I know." Avoid phases like "I
think," "In my opinion," and "I feel that." B)
Demonstrate a commanding presence by your appearance, posture,
eye contact, and body language. C) Show your track record of
ongoing success. Decision makers will not have confidence in
you if they can only see a few accomplishments scattered over
several years.
5. Leadership. Leadership is not reserved for senior executives
or managers. For example, a janitor can show leadership by
finding a better way to do his/her job, by setting a great
example for his/her peers, or by finding ways to cut costs
through more effective cleaning equipment or a new supplier
for less expensive cleaning materials. Leadership is a rare
commodity. Show decision makers that you have the courage to
take a leadership role, regardless of your level or function.
6. Compatibility. Much to the regret of some people, decision
makers look for a certain amount of conformity. This does not
mean you must be the quintessential "Dilbert." Rather,
organizations seek people whose personality style and behavior
match the requirements of the job and the corporate culture.
For example, we all know about the employee who is never happy
with anything, is a continual whiner, and always finds fault
with everyone else. During your interviews, avoid criticizing
your former employer or placing blame on others for why things
didn't get done. Always demonstrate your positive mental attitude
(PMA).
7. Attitude. OK, we wrapped up number six by mentioning your
PMA. Let's build on that. If you want to be the standard by
which all others are measured, and then walk in the door with
a high energy level, tons of enthusiasm, a zest for living,
and the determination to be the very best at whatever you do.
Enthusiasm is infectious. Others feed on it. It is motivating
and drives others to higher levels of productivity and success.
Show your enthusiasm every chance you get and you dramatically
increase your chances of being hired.
8. Social Skills/Interests/Involvement. In today's business
world, it seems that professional courtesy and conduct are
from another era. You can never say please and thank you enough.
Give credit and praise to others. During your interview talk
about the team's performance and the contribution that everyone
else brought to your projects or your job. Show your interest
in what others were working on and how you were willing to
help. Show your involvement in organization activities—both
social and professional.
9. Integrity. Over the past few years we have witnessed the
tragic abuse of authority and total lack of integrity by many
of our nation's top senior level executives. Many have gone
to jail and others will probably soon follow. Needless to say,
this is a powerful message to everyone. Demonstrate your uncompromising
integrity, professional ethics and personal morals. If a decision
maker wants you to "wink" at laws or professional
conduct, you don't want to work for that company.
10. Communication Skills. We can't ever communicate too much.
I admit that companies often have too many meetings, but I
don't equate those meetings to communication. A good communicator
possesses outstanding written and oral skills and knows how
to use them effectively. Demonstrate to the decision maker
how you continually use communication skills to achieve your
goals.
There is a lot of information here to absorb and it is difficult
to hit all of these hot buttons through your resume and interviews.
But by being aware of these hot buttons you can consciously
try to touch on as many as possible. Instead of focusing on
what you want, focus on what the employer wants and you will
land that next job.
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