The Right Attitude
The first thing applicants are often lacking is the right attitude. The employer needs to see your personality. That means you shouldn’t be rude or standoffish. Rather, be polite, enthusiastic and have self-confidence. You need to act professionally from the moment you step into the door.
A Good Presentation
Have you put the time into creating a presentation that makes you look good? It is common for applicants to be lacking in some areas, which leads to the door being shut long before you actually enter. Ask yourself:
- Do you have an organized, professional resume in hand?
- Are you able to answer questions about previous jobs?
- Are you punctual and prepared?
- Do you speak clearly and answer questions in a concise manner?
These factors can make a big difference overall in your ability to stand out from other candidates.
Do You Have the Basics of Being Job Ready?
What job-ready skills do you have? This may be an area you are not too sure about, but it includes skills such as the following:
- Do you have good communication skills?
- Do you have time management skills?
- Do you work well under pressure?
- Do you have a solid work ethic?
- Are you able to adapt well to the surroundings or culture?
In short, you need to do more than just say you are a team player. You need to demonstrate how you will be a good fit for the company and the assignment by emphasizing the above points.
Are You a Problem Solver?
Another key aspect of a qualified candidate is having the ability to solve problems. Many businesses struggle when individuals cannot tackle problems as they arise on their own. Problem solvers are incredibly valuable and they are hard to find. Can you show to the hiring manager that you are one?
Do You Learn Well?
Finally, ask yourself if you are the type of person to learn from your mistakes. Do you take criticism well? If you do, then you are likely to use the information presented to you in a review or on the floor as a way to learn and grow from it. That’s something hiring managers are striving to find.
Having these job skills makes you more valuable to the hiring manager than you may realize. It could be a key opportunity for you to launch yourself into a new position and quickly move up in the ranks, too.