When we first start searching for a rewarding new job, we’re often preoccupied with the perks and other benefits on offer. During the initial interview, we may inquire about vacation leave, pension plan, dental insurance, and so on. Unfortunately, if we’re absorbed with what we’re going to get instead of considering what merits we’re bringing to the job, we’re making a major mistake.
For one thing, the new employer is likely to ask pointed questions about what you’re looking for and how you’ll fit in with the company. For another thing, he or she may also ask about previous job challenges and how you solved them. Knowing how to communicate your skills, experience, and ethics is going to give you an advantage over less prepared candidates.
In addition to presenting a positive face to the company, consider more specific work principles to present to a prospective employer.
- How will you increase sales or clients for the company? Remember, if you’re not generating an increase to the business, they’re not making more money and may no longer be able to afford you down the road. Basically, if the company is not profitable, you won’t be either.
- A potential employer wants to see you demonstrate your familiarity with the company, its products and the services provided. You establish your interest and curiosity about the company if you’ve taken the time to research. Simply navigating through the company’s website and LinkedIn profiles will assist you in answering a potential client’s questions and communicate clearly and professionally that you’re prepared to work hard for the company.
- Furthermore, you should be able to demonstrate self-awareness, your skill set, and pertinent experience and how it will benefit the company.
- Prove you are prompt by arriving on time for the interview and show courtesy and politeness to every staff member you encounter. Your initial actions validate that you take the position seriously.
- Employers also want to understand your willingness to learn new things and that you’re teachable and possess a positive ‘can-do’ attitude.
- Demonstrate the ethics of loyalty and responsibility by refraining from bad-mouthing previous employers, instead focusing on previous wins.
- When you take pride in your work but also own up to your mistakes, a prospective employer views you as professional and transparent; this makes them feel confident they’re hiring someone with solid core values.
- Even if this isn’t going to be your chosen career, when you treat it as a valuable step towards your goals and appreciate the extra skills you pick up along the way, employers are more apt to help you achieve your goals.
- If you can both follow direction and take initiative, management will see you do not need to be asked to do something twice. Most bosses do not want to micro-manage their employees.
- Lastly, potential employees who exhibit consistency and have produced a measurable, quantifiable amount of work in past employment are desirable employees.
It’s helpful to remember that scoring a new job is not all about you, it’s about creating a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties. Respecting coworkers and remaining professional will take you a long way in both your career and any new work relationship—indeed, in all areas of your life. Success may be a long and winding road, but there are no mistakes or bad jobs, only learning experiences, or, at least, lessons learned.
