5 Things an Interviewer Wants to See from You

5 Things an Interviewer Wants to See from You
by Ken Docherty, CPRW www.expertresumewriter.ca

What an employer wants to see in job applicants is surprisingly straightforward. Aside from qualifications, employers want to know if you will add value to the company. While every company and recruiter has unique requirements, these are what many of my clients who utilize my resume services in Calgary are most concerned about addressing.

1. Passion for the company, job, or industry

If choosing between two promising candidates, many employers choose the one who is most excited about the work, even if he or she possesses fewer qualifications. Why? Because passionate people require less energy to motivate, train, and manage.

2. A mix of relevant experience and trainability or adaptability

Workplaces are dynamic, so portray that you want to learn or will adapt your practices to meet the needs of the company. No employer wants a new hire that comes off as a know-it-all or has reservations towards learning new techniques or skills.

3. Dependability

Beyond punctuality, dependability encompasses your availability, consistency, and loyalty. How can you demonstrate dependability? Arrive early for the interview, respond to correspondence promptly, and be willing to change your schedule to accommodate the requirements of your future job.

Consistency through the recruiting process will help assure the employer you will be consistent at work. This is a bit challenging to demonstrate, but entirely possible. Format your cover letter and resume or CV in a consistent manner. As your resume consultant in Calgary, I can help you ensure your formatting is consistent and distinct.

During interviews and other correspondence, use consistent tone and word choice. While interviewing, maintain your natural, professional composure and be consistent in how you structure your answers.

4. Soft skills

Soft skills are those you learn through life experience, as opposed to those you learn through formal education. Examples of these attributes are critical thinking, interpersonal savvy, positive attitude, composure, and emotional intelligence (EQ).

To highlight these skills, answer some interview questions with concise stories from your previous jobs and life experience. Remember to keep the story to the point and positive. Try using this structure:

1.       Situation: Explain the need to know who, what, where, when, why, and how, elements of the story.

2.       Action: Talk about actions you took to respond to the situation. Remember to be positive and factual.

3.       Result: Lastly, share what happened after you took the action.

5. Ability to follow direction

Job postings often include directions about how to apply or sometimes contain "tests," such as how to format your resume or questions to address in the application. Fill out all forms accurately and completely. Count on receiving directions before, during, and even after an interview. Identifying and following all directions will prove that you have the capacity to do it on the job.

More than qualifications…

Besides adequately highlighting your qualifications, you need to demonstrate other attributes that prove you are easy to work with and will be an effective contributor. To showcase your "other" attributes, consider me to be your professional resume writer in Calgary, and keep the above points in mind as you write cover letters and participate in the interview process.