What Employers Look For

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On a regular basis people ask me “What do employers want?” They wonder about:

  • What employers look for.

  • What to focus on in an interview.

  • What skills they need.

what employers look for

Skills Employers Want

I read this post from Daniel Goleman:

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130707212115-117825785-the-emotional-intelligence-skills-employers-want-now

It stayed with me and got me thinking…

Employers screen for hard AND soft skills.

 
Working in Silicon Valley I remember there was a time when it was enough to be good at the technical (hard skills) part of the job. Over the years the bar was raised. Employers want both…. and when hiring people, I’ve certainly screened for both.
 
Before diving in… just a note to say that as with anything in employment (or with people for that matter) you will not get 100% agreement on any one topic. That includes the importance of EQ. There will be people who agree, and those who do not.
 
Over the years, many people have warmed up to the need for EQ/soft skills.  But some have not… I still come across them now and then.  So keep your eyes open for “what is trending now,”  and from the article we can see that EQ does play an important role in deciding who to hire. 

In behavioral interviewing employers are looking for your actual behaviors in work situations.  The idea is if you’ve done it before, you’ll do it again — in the positive or in the negative.  

Basically – they are wanting to Screen In those who will solve a problem/can do the job/provide them with solutions

They are looking to Screen Out those who can’t do the job or might cause them problems 

Employers are looking to hire someone that has the skills to do the job.  So they may ask you to tell them about a time when you’ve done certain things (handled a irritable customer, etc). Why?  They are trying to understand:

– what you can do (soft & hard skills)

– how well you do it (can you do what they need you to do)

– will you be able to work with them (interpersonal skills, people & culture fit)

Interview screeners can include:

  • How well you function under pressure.
  • How well you work on teams.
  • How you handle ambiguity.
  • How you fit with the organization and those involved.
  • How you would add value if you work there.

That said… remember you also want to make sure this is a place where you want to work, one that is a fit for you. And if you do, be prepared to show your technical AND interpersonal skills when interviewing. Things to consider…

  • Okay, you’re great technically, but how is your “user-friendly interface”? (your interpersonal skills)
  • Are you the kind of “kid” who gets along well with others on the “playground”? Or do you “run with scissors”??
  • As a leader do you inspire your staff, and motivate them to do their best?
  • When there is pressure on the job how do you handle it? How do you manage stress?
  

Welcome to the “soft side” of interviewing. If you decide you want the job, in addition to talking about your hard skills, it’s a good idea to weave in your soft skills:

  • Be prepared to show your level of emotional intelligence.
  • Prepare stories to share in interviews that demonstrate your EQ.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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