On the Job Hunt
What Employers Look For in Potential Candidates
Peter Downes
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Profiles Caribbean, Inc.
Every student wonders exactly what employers are looking for when they hire new graduates. What criteria do employers use to select the best candidate?
Contrary to popular belief, your grades and the school you attended are not major factors in whether a company will hire you. Employers are looking for the attributes that are hard to train as well as relevant job experience. It is to your advantage as a job seeker to take internships if they are available. If not, try a summer job in the field you are studying. Your ability to apply what you have learnt to the real situations will definitely give you an upper hand.
The attributes or soft skills, which are hard to train, but very much sought after include:
• Writing and Verbal Communication Skills – It is essential that these skills are excellent.
• Customer Service Skills – If the company’s customers are dissatisfied, they will take their business elsewhere. You must be able to deal effectively with customer’s queries and complaints.
• Teamwork – You should be able to lead, follow and collaborate with coworkers.
• Great Work Ethic – Your attendance and punctuality should be exemplary. You also need a “do whatever it takes” attitude to complete assignments and meet deadlines.
• Energetic – The ability to multi-task and to effectively prioritize your work are important elements.
The bottom line is that although employers are looking for people with the technical skills for the role, they are also looking for those with hands-on experience, good communication skills, the ability to work in a team, a strong work ethic and the motivation to get the job done. If you have these traits, you should have no problem securing a job.