What an employer looks for
Employer expectations-what are they looking for?
Most employers are looking for someone who will fit into their organisation to help them perform well and achieve profits. In reality, they are entering into a contract with you, with responsibilities on both sides, to make sure that you do your best to benefit the organisation.
Many employers are more interested in you having the right attitude and demonstrating what you have done with your talents than hearing about the talents you possess.
Employers are most concerned about your personal qualities. They assume that you would not apply for their positions if you did not have the skills they required. Keep in mind that many others applying for positions probably have the same skills as you, so a good attitude to work could be the deciding factor.
The attitudes an employer wants include:
- enthusiasm
- initiative
- honesty and openness
- capability
- flexibility
- reliability
- determination
- persistence
- adaptability
- commitment
- loyalty
- interest
- maturity
- cooperation
- responsibility
They also want you to be:
- friendly to your supervisor, co-workers and customers
- prepared to follow your supervisor's instructions and to be willing to learn and to ask for help
- willing to go above and beyond your agreed duties when needed
- well organised and well presented.
This is not an exhaustive list but it is a start. Always try to demonstrate your positive work attitudes to an employer in your phone calls, covering letters, job applications and at the interview. In effect, you will need to market yourself. It is hard to sell yourself if you are not confident. Look at the list of attitude words above, and develop your presentation of yourself from these. Keep a sense of humour! Prepare!
Content provided by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training and The Good Guides Group.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
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