Employer Needs
Being in career management for over 20 years while assisting thousands of job seekers along the way, I am often asked for the key to getting an interview and job offer. Wishing I could share the exact ingredient for personal and professional success, reality of not holding the proverbial needle in the haystack always comes to surface.
From managers, to entry-level new hires, to global executives, and to individuals transitioning from the justice system, we all share in the not knowing… then again, experience and networking with businesses, institutions, and non-profit organizations has allowed several themes to rise to the top when it comes to employer new hire wants.
To objectively locate employer new hire wants, I sent out two questions to business across the United States. The first question (word for word) is as follows:
Recognizing graduates will be applying for an entry-level / helper position,
what are three employer needs you believe to be most critical.
Responses varied though common threads did appear. Let me know if you agree or would like to add to the following summarized list of the most common:
- Soft skills
- Dependability
- Wiliness to learn
- The right attitude
- Ability to get the job done
The above represents the most common of all employer needs for an entry-level position.
When coaching individuals entering the workforce or transitioning from a state institution, I reinforce the employer perspective. As the survey indicates, the ability to get the job done is (and will always be) a dominating factor when it comes to securing a job interview and offer. For those who are not quite as equipped to prove you can get the job done (perhaps recent graduates or those transitioning careers), take strength in knowing that by showing the other elements listed, you have a fighting chance to land the offer.
Earlier in this post I mentioned there were two questions in the survey but only one question is showcased here… not to worry, the second question will be heading the next essay.
Writing from the offices at 2nd Chance University and HVACTA, I am always available for your comments and/or conference.
Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPCC, CPRW
2nd Chance University / HVACTA
