Employment Spot

What Employers Want

When you scan the want ads looking for a new job, you see all sorts of requirements – a bachelor’s degree, at least two years experience in the field, proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. But what about the intangibles? What are employers looking for that they won’t see on your resume?

Identify the Intangibles

To learn what some of the most valued qualities are, check out the list at Damn Good Resume. Potential employers frequently mention things like good communication and time-management skills, ability to cooperate with fellow employees, ability to work under pressure, a sense of loyalty and accountability to the company, and a positive outlook.

Foster Those Qualities

The next question is "How do I foster those qualities in myself?" At About.com Career Planning, you’ll find resources that can help you develop communication, organizational and time-management skills.

If you’re contemplating going back to school, Marky Lloyd’s Careers in Psychology Page lists qualities that would be helpful in any field, such as the ability to learn, to interact with a group and to influence others. The page also suggests courses that hone those qualities.

Prepare for the Interview

Once you feel confident that you have the necessary ammunition, the question becomes "How do I convey that in the interview?" Take a look at the typical interview questions (PDF) by Virginia Tech and see where you can work in those phrases.

You’ll find more insight and valuable suggestions reading What do employers look for? and Association for Computing Machinery’s What Employers Want from Students.

   — Julia Walker