What are employers really looking for?
How to stand out in the interview portion of your job search!
The age-old question. What are employers really looking for? Maybe you have taken a couple of business courses and held some part-time jobs (or possibly an internship) but are still not sure what employers are really looking for. While experience and relevant coursework are important, soft skills and your ability to relate to others play a huge role in the job search. These skills often set you apart from other candidates going through the job search. Your qualifications and experience get you the interview, but then it is your time to highlight your relational skills through thoughtful answers to interview questions. This article details how to have an effective interview and display standout qualities that employers are looking for.
Top Skills Employers are Looking for:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Strong work ethic
- Good communicators
- See the big picture
- Ability to influence others
How to highlight these skills in your interview answers:
- Respond using the STAR method. Begin your response to the interview question by first listing a specific situation that you encountered. What was the task involved in the situation? List the actions you took to address and complete the task at hand. Finally, describe the results that occurred because of your actions.
- Show your results in action by using examples, facts, and figures. Be specific and show your results. What actions did you take to get these results, and how can those actions translate to this role you are interviewing for?
Additional things you should have prepared to stand out to employers in the interview process:
Tell Me about Yourself Statement
- You should have a well-crafted statement that describes who you are and where you are currently at in your career development process. Think of this like an opening statement/elevator pitch, where you capture the employer’s interest. This statement often sets the tone for the rest of the interview.
Questions for After the Interview
- Having well-throughout questions to ask when given the opportunity by the employer is critical. Taking the time to research the company and have questions prepared for the employer shows your interest in the company and communicates your desire to work there.
Speaking and Intonation
- Be confident in your responses. Your tone, pace, and volume of speech reflects your confidence in your answers and can be a way to show your personality. Make sure you are speaking at an appropriate pace and that you can be understood. Be mindful of nervous habits and overusing filler words to take up space in your responses.
Professionalism and Attire
- Ensure you are dressed professionally for the role you are applying for. If you are interviewing virtually, make sure your background and space are professional as well.
More details at: https://business.unl.edu/current-students/business-career-center