What Every Employer Really Wants
While different employers have vastly different needs in functional areas, there are many employer qualities which virtually every employer wants, regardless of the job the employee will perform.
One employer needs an engineer with special training in strength of materials. Another needs a psychology major with a solid background in social work. A third is looking for a financial analyst who’s a whiz with statistics. But all three are looking for candidates who will become highly motivated, responsible employees. They want people who have drive, energy, confidence, integrity, pride and dedication. People who know how to listen, who understand the importance of turning a profit, who can follow instructions meticulously, and who know how to save time and money.
Above all they choose candidates for their enthusiasm and their strength of character. If you truly shine in both of these areas, most employers will be willing to forgive many weaknesses in background, education or experience.
Enthusiasm: An eagerness for the challenge at hand. A positive view of the world. The perception of problems as opportunities for gain and improvement. The belief that the work will be exciting and rewarding, and that the organization will certainly achieve its goals.
Strength of character: Stability. Dependability. Commitment to do what’s right. Avoidance of what’s trivial and petty. Willingness to get the job done, whatever effort is required. Concern for maintaining reputation. High standards. Leadership stature.
This isn’t a sermon. It’s simply a description of what impresses most employers.
It’s also important to note that employers are conservative. Whatever their politics and personal values, employers are rather predictably conservative when it comes to their businesses. In their heart of hearts, they really want rock-solid, squeaky clean people joining their staffs. That doesn’t mean there are no openings for off-the-wall personalities, free spirits or outspoken reformers. There are. But they’re not the easiest jobs to find, because there aren’t that many bosses willing to gamble their businesses on employees others might find offensive—or odd.
When the chips are down, most employers can be counted upon to play it safe. If you want to be a contender for the biggest portion of the best available jobs, don’t stray too far from the conservative path. Think “enthusiasm” and “strength of character” as you talk to a prospective employer, and you’ll never be very far off the mark. You want him or her to look at you and think, “That’s a person I can trust to get the job done.”
No, that doesn’t mean be a stiff. It just means be solid.
Bruce Bloom
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/what-every-employer-really-wants-72035.html
January 26th, 2010 at 3:40 am
How do you get a decent job when I have no references, and every employer wants them?
I’ve had two jobs. The most recent one either refuses to give a referance or is really snotty to the person. The other one doesn’t keep records that far back.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:42 am
If they refuse to give a reference it means that you suck as an employee. They just don’t want to say it.
References :
January 26th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Lie on your resume. No one checks that stuff. And when you get enough good references from lying on your resume, you can go for the job you really want.
Or else become a politician.
Luck to you
References :
January 26th, 2010 at 8:46 am
You’re going to have to find a job that will hire you without a reference.
Best of luck and God bless.
References :
January 26th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Well you can use personal referances or you can refer them to your old employments HR department and they will give out the standard stuff, like time worked, etc. You have no one you worked with that could say anything good about you, does not have to be a boss, can be a co-worker.
References :
January 26th, 2010 at 8:50 am
how about your parents friends. do they have any important friends, that can voutch for your work ethic?
are they lawyers, doctors, in high positions in companies
References :
January 26th, 2010 at 8:52 am
You have references! Just think of any great effort you have done for someone. They will give you a reference. How about any programs for which you were a volunteer? Also, any sports team, were you the captain, ask your coach for a reference. Ask your church. Any service, mowing lawns, watching your neighbors house while gone, anything that displays trust and consistency in you will be excellent!
References :
January 26th, 2010 at 8:54 am
DIsclose that to your employer. Do your best to summarize your accomplishments at your former jobs. Then, when you are asked for references, put down something like ‘the company policy is not to give references, so I cannot refer you to a person to check my references, but for your information, the company phone number is 123-555-1111. In this way, you show your prospective employer that you are not afraid for them to check your references, and that you are doing your best to be cooperative.
Of course, this isn’t as good as a reference. One other thing you might consider is if you have a work supervisor that no longer works for the company. You might suggest something like ‘Robert Smith was a manager in my department, and he now works for ABC company. While he wasn’t my direct supervisor, he is familiar with my work. You can call Robert at ABC at 123-555-2222′.
In this type of reference, it can be anyone you liked or knew at your former company. Someone in management would be preferable to a co-worker, but if all you can offer is a co-worker, then perhaps you can try that.
The bottom line is that hiring managers know that not all companies offer references. Your response to this situation is to try to be as cooperative as you can in getting your prospective employer comfortable with your work history, skills and habits.
References :
January 26th, 2010 at 8:56 am
Are they specifically asking for the references? If so, that’s pretty bold of them!!
What you can do is go to an employment agency and let them sell you to the company.
OR,,,,, LIE and have a friend do it???? I know, I know,,,,not such great advice. But why don’t you put a personal reference down? Nothing says you can’t do that. There aren’t any "LAWS" against putting down a personal reference……
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