A New Focus
30 June 2006
A New Focus
Employer focus is changing when assessing a job applicant’s suitability for a position. When applying for a job, whilst job specific skills are still important, generic skills and personal attributes are now a major contributing factor in determining whether an applicant is suitable for the position.
Some of these skills and attributes are listed bellow:
Communication skills
Reliability
Problem solving skills
Planning and organisational skills
Technological skills
Communication skills: There are many different forms of communication, but the following are a few general ones: verbal communication, written communication and team work.
Your resume and cover letter are the first point of focus. You must make sure that they are neat and coherent. It is essential that you do not have spelling mistakes. If you haven’t previously met an employer, your resume and cover letter represent you and should show case your experience, skills and attributes.
If your resume is neat, concise and shows attention to detail, your prospective employer will be able to see that you have good written communication skills.
Your verbal communication skills and listening skills will be analysed from the first verbal contact that you make with a prospective employer. Make sure that when you answer the phone, you are polite and that you state your name, for example: “Hello this is Paul”. You should have a pen and paper in front of you and jot down the name of the person you are speaking to. When finishing the phone call thank the person by their name, for example: “Thank you for calling John”. If you have been successful for an interview you may add “I look forward to meeting with you on ..... (repeat the date, time and address of the meeting)”.
It is important in a workplace that you can display good team work and easily build rapport with your work colleagues and customers. Employers want to make sure that a new employee will fit in with the team, as a harmonious workplace means a more productive workplace. They may ask you about examples of team work or how you have dealt with disagreements in the workplace. They will also judge if you are able to build rapport with them and how easily you are able to accomplish this.
Reliability: More often than not we here from employers that employees must be reliable. This includes turning up to work on time and completing the tasks required of you to an acceptable standard. Arriving on time for your interview is paramount. Remember first impressions last and if you are late for your interview, your reputation for reliability will already be tarnished and could cost you the job.
Problem solving skills: You will most adequately be able to demonstrate your problem solving ability by thinking of examples in your previous employment or home life when you have had to demonstrate these skills.
Planning and organisational skills: Make sure if you reach an interview stage that you are able to demonstrate your planning and organisational skills. Once again, from the first phone call your skills will be judged. When you have applied for a position, always make sure that you have a pen, paper and preferably your diary next to the phone, so if the employer calls you do not need to put them on hold while you look for these items. If you reach the interview stage make sure you have spare copies of your resume with you and any other relevant material. Additionally, ensure that you have any questions written down on a piece of paper. By ensuring that these small things are covered, you will be giving the employer the right impression.
Technological skills: In today’s era of technology, it is important to have basic computer skills. This includes basic keyboard skills, the ability to use the internet, email, and basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word. If you want to improve your skills, many adult education providers run short courses aimed at updating these skills.
On a final note always make sure you have examples of how you have had to use these skills in your everyday life and in previous employment.
Good Luck!