What Employers Want
When applying for a job, the qualifications, skill sets, and personal attributes most sought after vary depending industry and company standards. Based on candid employer input, we have devised a list of the criteria most employers can agree on. Whether you are revising your resume, writing a cover letter, completing an online application, preparing for an interview, completing your LinkedIn profile, or conducting cold calls, these tips can help to provide structure for the information you may want to include.
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in a related field may be required
- Industry specific certifications and licenses
- Industry specific skills
- Relatable experience
Skills:
- Customer service skills
- Telephone skills
- Ability to upsell
- Ability to deal with the public
- Ability to deal with different situations and personalities
- Ability to manage different perspectives
- Technical aptitude
- Ability to manage stress
- Ability to connect with people on an emotional level including understanding their state of mind, being able to take a moment to step back and empathize
Attributes:
- “People-person”
- Friendly smile
- Team player
- Open availability / flexible schedule
- Caring and compassionate
- Ability to leave personal problems at home
- Ability to leave work issues behind at the end of the shift
- Personable employee
- Do everything possible to create a positive experience for the customer
- Ability to turn a negative situation around
- “Showing up, working hard, and connecting with people are basic fundamentals.”
We wish to thank our Career Week 2017 Employer Panel for sharing their hiring practices and recommendations. The panel consisted of AVNK Security, Bruce Maly Plumbing, Comfort Inn, Concentrix, East Side Mario’s, Holiday Inn, Stewart Homes, and Two Guys and a Truck.
For more assistance with your job search, book an appointment with a Career Counsellor at EPC or check our Workshops & Events section for upcoming dates.