10 Qualities Employers Look for in Employees

Of course, there are many qualities that employers look for in candidates but here are a few of the more popular ones. Don’t limit yourself to working on just a few. Do your research and find out what a well-rounded candidate looks like to a hiring manager. And then, become that person! Good luck!

Employers entrust their employees with more than just a job. Oftentimes you’ll be given a company credit card and in some instances a company car. While those are important assets to an organization, equally important is if you are doing the job that you are paid to do. Do you come to work on time? Are you using company assets to drive the business or run your fantasy football league?

Being a lone wolf in today’s corporate environment is not a desirable trait. Employers are looking for candidates that can work in teams and interact well with teammates. Just as strong leadership skills are a highly desirable trait in a candidate, so too, is being a committed and loyal member of the team.

When you are getting ready for that interview, make sure you highlight your ability to communicate your thoughts both written and orally. Being a skilled communicator is essential in today’s job market especially if you are in sales. If you struggle with written or verbal communication, join Toastmasters or enroll in a training program that will help you improve. Further, know how to write. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but eschew those shortcuts that you use while texting a friend. Buy a dictionary!

Companies are beset with problems. They are looking for candidates that can identify those problems, turn them into opportunities, and then solve them in a way that will have a positive impact on the organization. In the timeless classic, “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader,” John Maxwell writes, “Surround yourself with problem solvers. If you aren’t a good problem solver, bring others onto your team who are. They will immediately complement your weaknesses, and you will also learn from them.” That’s why employers are looking for people like you – those that can solve problems!

In the interview, one of the first things the interviewer will want to discuss is your history of results. Do you have a history of great results? If you do, make sure you share those. The interview isn’t the time to be shy. More importantly, be sure that you monetize your accomplishments, if possible.

Companies want employees that support the organization and are totally aligned with the direction and goals of the company. A loyal employee is a dependable employee. If you prove to be a loyal employee it will pay huge dividends for you and your career.

Want to set yourself apart from the competition? Be sure to be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills. The ability to analyze your work and answer “the what ifs” and “so what’s” of business will help you stand out in the crowd. So, when you are asked that questions about your Microsoft Excel expertise, be sure that you can back your boasts with actual skills. If you say you can concatenate, be sure you can concatenate!

Today, nearly everyone is expected to have a fair degree of technical expertise mostly revolving around iPhones, Androids, iPads and personal computers and associated peripherals. However, employers expect that you will know your way around these devices. Can you operate a forklift, set up a server, rebuild an engine or install a solar panel? Many jobs have a great deal of technical competency required. And of course, if you are in an area that requires a high degree of technical competence with a variety of devices, machines, etc., be sure you can demonstrate your competency. Odds are you will be tested.

In today’s work environment an employee only stays an average of four years with his employers, so, “drive” is an important consideration for hiring managers. Companies need to get the very best out of you from day one. Those ambitious employees that are results-driven and have unyielding perseverance succeed early and often. Be one of them!

Gone are the days when there is a headcount for every job. Today’s employees must be flexible and willing to do more than one thing. You may a department manager, but that job might require you to be your own administrative assistant. In addition, in today’s work environment, you have to be flexible and willing to do a variety of things to be successful.