IndustriesHelping Hands' HR Team brings job applicants an article that informs them about the qualities that an employer looks for in their potential employees. For more such helpful tips follow our blogs.
Below are the key skills that an employer looks after in any candidate other than their domain knowledge:
1.Communication
The biggest quality that any employer looks for in any potential candidate is communication. This is important as a candidate may be as talented as einstein. But, if he/she is unable to communicate their ideas to others; then, such an employee would be absolutely useless for the organization as a whole. Poor communication skills can lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. Having strong communication skills in the digital age means solid writing and speaking skills, both in-person and over the web with tools like video conferencing and email. You can demonstrate your communication prowess in an interview by practicing active listening, asking questions, remembering the interviewer’s name, and sending a thank-you note.
2.Time management
Meeting deadlines and staying efficient is important to companies in every industry. That makes time management a valuable skill for employees who are often juggling multiple projects at a time. Employers want to know they have employees who can manage their time well so managers don’t have to look over their shoulders to ensure they’re staying on track. The ability to manage time successfully is often demonstrated during the interview process. You can start your interview on the right foot simply by being on time. Beyond that, try talking about times in your life where you clearly had competing priorities and explain what you did to stay on top of deadlines.
3. Critical thinking and problem solving
Critical thinking is a skill that allows you to objectively examine information to determine the best way to move forward, and it’s a key component of problem-solving. In any job and any company, employees are bound to run into unexpected challenges and setbacks. Companies rely on employees who take action and find creative solutions to problems the company is facing. So, in interviews telling the employer your stories about how you solved a problem creatively with the resources you had at hand is a big plus. You can brush-up on your critical thinking skills by practicing on problems you encounter in your daily life. Why did your cat stop using the litter box? How can you save enough money to take a vacation next year? What does your community baseball team need to work on in order to win their next game? Ask smart questions, conduct research, and make an educated guess to solve the problem.
4.Teamwork
No career path is exempt when it comes to the ability to work well on a team. Even positions with a lot of independent work will still require you to collaborate with others. Every role in a company is connected to other roles and teams. Employees that are able to work well with others and understand their points of view often come up with creative solutions efficiently and effectively. The importance of teamwork can’t be overstated, so it’s a skill you’ll want to communicate with employers during your interview. Be sure to mention specific instances where you worked well with a team, either in school or in a past job, and share the positive outcomes that resulted from your group’s effort.
5.Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand both your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. This is especially helpful in the workplace, where teams work together to keep companies functioning successfully. If teamwork is a vital component of a successful company, then emotional intelligence is the glue that makes all that collaboration possible. There are many signs you may have high emotional intelligence; But, one of the biggest is empathy. To become a valuable employee, it’s important to sense facts from a peer’s perspective. This single shift of perspective helps build a thriving, positive company culture.
6.Digital literacy
We live in a technology-driven age that demands digital literacy in nearly every profession. Demand for digital literacy goes far beyond technology careers. Being comfortable with computers, online research, and apps—not to mention industry-specific software—is expected in the workplace today. There are plenty of ways to develop your digital literacy if mastering technology doesn’t come easily to you. If this soft skill seems out of your reach, make sure to convey your willingness to go the extra mile to learn new skills and follow your natural curiosity. People who are curious make a conscious effort to explore, investigate and learn without needing an external person to persuade them. Such people are always a part of the solution.
7.Initiative
Employers are always on the lookout for hard-working employees who take initiative and are proactive about finding new ways to help the company do its work. Employees with initiative don’t just wait around for their boss to assign them tasks. They’re self-motivated and driven to do whatever they can to improve their company from their current position. Employees with this kind of inner drive can add huge value to a company. A strong work ethic is an indispensable factor for any employee as they take ownership of their work and are self-driven to aim for results. They become a well of motivation for others at the workplace. Share with your interviewer an instance where you brought the initiative to your previous organization to demonstrate that you have experience with this soft skill.
