Are You a Competitive Applicant?

Each year numerous job applicants flood the market. Becoming a competitive applicant requires a keen understanding of employer’s desires, development of crucial characteristics, and a grasp of vital interview techniques. Here is the way to rise above the rest and be recognized as a professional employee.

                Learning what employers are looking for is fundamental to your success. Ken Sundheim explains that employers and companies are putting a considerable amount of weight on the personalities of the applicants. Companies are hiring on what they perceive the applicant can accomplish rather than what the applicant has already learned.  Companies now believe it is more effective to train employees on industry specific skills rather than instill in their employees specific character traits (2013).

Employers are placing a larger emphasis on personalities during the hiring process; therefore it is imperative that we establish quality traits.   Some of these attributes include committed, capable, autonomous, team oriented, self-motivated, marketable, and respectful. “Above all, it is your character that will have the greatest impact.  . . .  Your job now is to continue working on your character by practicing these behaviors” (Undercover, 2014).

Professional employees possess the ability to communicate effectively. During the interview your future employer is given the opportunity to see your ability to communicate efficiently. This is a decisive moment for you; make sure you remember these tips. First, be proactive; do not wait for the employers to introduce themselves, first impressions count. Second, speak clearly but not rushed; give yourself time to create a constructive concise thought. Third, stay calm and do not allow your body language to detract from your success (Micah & Wilson, 2014).

Developing into a competitive applicant is a great endeavor, which is achievable as you increase your knowledge of company’s expectations, incorporate essential attributes, and gain communication proficiency.  As you improve upon these areas, you will be recognized as a qualified professional.

Reference

Micah, Wilson. (2014). Interview techniques. [Blog post.] Retrieved from: http://www.everydayinterviewtips.com/interview-techniques

Sundheim, S. (2013, April 02). 15 traits of the ideal employee. Forbes. Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kensundheim/2013/04/02/15-traits-of-the-ideal-employee/

Undercover Recruiter (2014).Top 7 qualities employers are looking for in candidates. Retrieved from: http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/top-7-qualities-employers-are-looking-candidates/