Your search for the right opportunity continues? Well, let's conclude our conversation on The Top Ten Things An Employer Wants. Take a look at the final 3 things that would make you valuable to any employer.
Work Ethic/Dependability
Are you committed to getting it done? On time, within budget, resourcefully, utilizing innovation? Like a quarterback on a football team, you have to be able to reliable, able to perform under pressure, command the situation, make the connection and ultimately get the job done!
Loyalty
Companies are looking for loyalty! It is expensive for a company to conduct a job search to fill a vacant position. The responsibilities of the job typically go unaddressed, partially completed or are added to existing team members until the position is filled. And then there’s the training time and cost to get the new hire up to speed. So a committed, loyal employee or a “marriage of sorts” is the investment the company is looking for.
Team player
This is simply the ability to relate to and work well with others, at all levels. Are you able to motivate positive action and change? Are you able to resolve conflicts and maintain a good rapport? Beyond your ability to perform or at excel at your job function, you must be a “people person” and not the dark cloud hovering in the office.
Being hirable is more than just your ability to do the job, it is about you being the overall proper fit for the position and for the company. Keep these simple tips in mind and remember, Be Hirable!
Networking is one of many job search tools. However, the power it has demands we focus on it separately. As thousands of jobs are never advertised, developing and maintaining a list of friends, business associates and neighbors who are aware of job opportunities and/or decision makers is invaluable. An introduction to a decision maker to a decision maker by a network contact can be exactly what is needed to land a job.
Working your networks may be the most important part of your job search. As we know, networking opens many doors to potential opportunities as well as builds your list of contacts for ongoing professional development. Employers love referrals and often encourage employees to refer candidates. Referred candidates are perceived to better candidates and being referred gives you a foot in the door. In fact, often the best jobs are not advertised or posted because they are filled by referrals.
There are several vehicles that can be used for networking and the following are crucial for developing and launching a networking strategy. Keep in mind it is a proven fact that networking is a great way to find the best jobs or the jobs that are not posted. Successful networking is more than connecting with friends; in order to be successful you must reach out and connect with as many sources as possible.
- Network everywhere you go. You can network on public transportation, out over the weekend, standing in line at grocery store and the list goes on. Get someone engaged in a discussion. When you do the same at social functions keep in mind every one you talk to talks to someone who could potentially be your next employer.
- Do not be shy. You are marketing and selling your professional experience and shouldn’t your attributes be showcased for all employers to see? It is not too difficult to strike up a conversation with other people; by nature we like to talk and share experiences, we are social beings.
- Lead generation through networking takes time, so do not expect an immediate influx of job opportunities. Some contacts may jump in right away, give you contacts and refer. Others may take more time.
- As you develop your network you are building a tool that can be utilized over the balance of your career. As you progress in your career so will your contacts. Keep your networks growing even after you have landed a job. Remember you are in this for the long haul.