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What Do Employers Want?

The results are in — surveys received from recruiters describe what qualities companies and industries look for in students. During a tough economic climate it is critical to position yourself well in the job market. Therefore, you should pay close attention to employers’ expectations, because they important to understand when pursuing a job or internship.

Top Ways Students Can Better Prepare For an Interview

• Learn about the organization through extensive research. It is important to know how an organization markets itself in order to personalize the interview and to increase your credibility. This will allow you to show each organization that your interest is in them and not just in any company. During your research, read the job description closely, visit the organization website and research industry trends and news. Visit the Center for Career Education Resource Center for industry-specific literature, trade journals, and newspapers. While researching, learn about the organization’s mission, size, structure, major products/services and when the organization was founded.
• Get a first-hand, personal account of the organization. Talk to anyone you know in the industry and/or contact alumni working for the organization. Request an informational interview with these contacts, and consider conducting this interview on-site. Also, make sure to attend any information sessions held by the employer. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the organization, the position, and the industry, as well as to display your interest. Even if you can only make it to the last few minutes, it is still worth your effort.

Before the Interview

Although the following tips may seem straightforward, interviewers are looking for a complete package. If you have not mastered the basics, it is a sign to interviewers that you have not taken the time to adequately prepare. Be sure that your resume is neat and free of typos. Arrive early for the interview. Dress professionally and neatly. Finally, practice and perfect your interview skills. Schedule a practice interview with a counselor, tape record yourself speaking, and identify your weaknesses.

During the Interview

It is important to articulate why you are interviewing for this job with this particular organization. Explain your relevant experience or skills, and be able to cite specific examples of your analytical, leadership, or interpersonal abilities. Be ready to talk about everything on your resume and how it relates to the desired position, industry, and organization. Try not to sound over-rehearsed or like you are regurgitating scripted answers. You should be aware of your non-verbal actions, too. For example, your body language, eye contact, and fidgeting reflect how comfortable you are with the interviewer and with the company.

In addition, be up-to- date and qualified to talk about current events and the economy if relevant to the industry. For example, in certain financial services interviews, you may be asked about recent changes in the markets. Be able to answer negative questions about yourself. Show initiative and new ideas.

Critical Skills for Success

The following are top skills that employers seek:

• Communication (Written and Verbal): Communication is critical at every step of the job hunt including: initial contact, informational interviewing, researching organizations, the actual interview, and a follow-up thank you note. In written communication, be brief and to the point. Include appropriate headings, such as the date and return address. Have as many people as possible review your resume and cover letter to ensure your written correspondence is clear and concise. Remember that personal contact or telephone calls are generally more effective in a job search than e-mail. Be confident and articulate. Anticipate questions that you might be asked in an interview, and think through your answers. Then schedule a practice interview with a counselor. Watch your speech for phrases such as “like, you know,” and “um.” Be sure to make eye contact with the interviewer and watch your posture. Overall, make sure that you can express yourself clearly.
• Initiative/Drive: Think of this category as a two-step process. First, you must come up with new ideas and be willing to do more than what is asked of you. Then, you need drive to follow through and implement your ideas. Set goals, and be able to work around obstacles.
• Intellectual Skills (Quantitative and Qualitative): Show employers that you are intelligent, mature, and ready to make the transition from college student to working professional.
• Team Player/Cooperative: Be confident without crossing the line into arrogance. When answering interview questions, make sure that some responses reflect your ability to work well with others, a key point within all industries.
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving: Demonstrate your thought process and your approach to problem solving since this is often as important as the end result.
• Technical Skills: Computer skills are imperative today for all fields. For those jobs that require strong technical or mathematical skills, make sure to market those that you have and demonstrate your willingness and ability to learn those that you do not.
• Leadership: A leader inspires respect and trust in those with whom they work. Consider the ways that you have inspired others in your various work and academic roles.
• Hard Working: Demonstrate that you can balance academics, activities, and jobs successfully.
• Commitment/Accountability/Reliability/Perseverance: Cite the activities or projects you have been involved with for multiple semesters and how you have followed-through with projects. Demonstrate these qualities by arriving prepared for the interview, calling the organization to verify that they have received your information, and sending a thank you note.
• Flexibility/Multi-Tasking: Let employers see that you are not constrained by your job description. Demonstrate your willingness to take on new tasks and/or change your schedule to get the job done.
• Professionalism/Maturity: Present yourself as a polished individual who is ready to enter the working world.
• Enthusiasm/Passion/Confidence: Be sincere and convey an upbeat, positive approach during your interview. Convince employers that you would be an asset to their organization through your energy and dedication.
• Organizational Skills/Time Management: Provide examples that demonstrate your ability to easily meet deadlines, pay attention to details, and produce well-organized work.
• Other skills cited: experience, balance, resourcefulness, patience, sense of humor, and integrity