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 executives 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, your chances of being the 'candidate of choice' are
lessened.
Let's explore the minds of decision makers and find their hot
buttons. When you focus your search on these factors through your
resume or resume portfolio and through your interviews, you are
more likely to become the standard by which all other candidates
will be measured.
Employer hot buttons:
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 criteria. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
This article is courtesy of Careerbuilder.com