Qualifications – What Do Employers Look For?

When applying for jobs, it is important that you read through the job description thoroughly before submitting your application. A lot of what employers are actually looking for in their potential associate is written right in the job description and requirements. In fact, you should review your resume against the requirements listed in order to make sure you have covered everything the employer is looking for. If you can address all the requirements by the information in your resume or in your cover letter, you will be on the right track for getting the job.

However, there is a whole list of skills employers look for that are never spelled out in the job description. These skills are typically referred to as employability skills, which are skills beyond your technical knowledge and qualifications that make you a great professional in your field. Don’t panic, you already have employability skills, you just may not think of them as critical for getting a job.

The employability skills have been grouped in eight categories:
• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Initiative and enterprise skills
• Planning and organizing skills
• Self-management
• Learning skills
• Technology skills

Now that you have read the categories, you are thinking to yourself, yes, I have those skills. But did you ever think to list them on the resume? Most people focus on their professional achievements and responsibilities, and they often skip these skills in favor of those that are job specific. However, more and more employers look for these skills in resumes. Your potential employer wants to know that you are a team player, that you communicate well, and will show initiative when needed. While you may think this is implied by your interest in the available position, employers like to see these skills called out on your resume or cover letter.

The best way to demonstrate these skills is through your experience and under your qualifications. Point out the initiatives you have participated in that required you to work in a team, under a deadline, or as a self-starter. Demonstrate your loyalty through pointing out your accomplishments at an organization and how they benefited your team as a whole (not just you). You can showcase the employability skills in your cover letter by openly showing your enthusiasm for the available position, stating your commitment to your career objective, indicating your motivation and your integrity, and showing that you are above all un-selfish and credible. These skills are just as critical to your ability to do a great job as your professional experience and education – employers are looking for someone who will be a great fit on their team and in their organization, someone who works well under pressure but also has a sense of humor and has a balance between their personal and professional life.

Review your existing resume. Does it contain any employability skills? If not, make revisions to incorporate those employability skills you feel you excel in. If you are unsure, ask your friends or family for an objective opinion, so that you can get a better idea of how people around you see you as a person as well as a professional. Keep these attributes in mind as you compose your resume and your cover letter, and especially as you are taking part in interviews. These skills can make a difference between knowing how to do a job and being qualified to exceed goals and grow in your career.

Other Articles:

What Is A Resume And Why Is It So Important?
Helpful Tips For Emailing Your Resume
Printed Resume – Dos And Don’ts
12. 4 Great Books On Resume Writing
Resume Writing From Scratch – How To Get Started
Switching Jobs – How To Adapt Your Resume To Your New Career Choice
3 Ways To Customize Your Resume To Get The Job That You Want
Prioritizing Job Descriptions In Your Resume
Resources For Resume Examples
Qualifications – What Do Employers Look For?
Tips For Internship Resumes
How To Write A Professional Summary For Your Resume
Chronological Vs. Functional Resumes
What To Do With Gaps In Your Work Experience
What To Do When Your Job Title Doesn’t Match Your Job Responsibilities
Tips On Listing Self-employment On Your Resume
Hobbies And Interests – Is There A Place For Them On Your Resume?
How To List Education And Experience Form Different Countries On Your Resume
Resume Headings – What Information To Include And How To Format It
Designing Your Resume To Grab Employer’s Attention
Resume Action Words
Resume Review – Asking And Getting Help
Most Effective Way To State Your Responsibilities In Job Descriptions
Entry Level Resume – How To Highlight Your Education And Your Skills
Including References On Your Resume
5 Things You Should Never Include In Your Resume
Resume Tips For Teachers
Tips On Listing Publications In Your Resume
Resume Vs. Curriculum Vitae
Three Things To Make Your Resume Unique
Quantifying Your Resume
Resume Banks – What They Are And How Should You Use Them?
Transferable Skills – What They Are And How To Demonstrate Them In Your Resume?
How To Format Your Resume
Keep It Short – Resume Length Guidelines
Electronic Resumes – Dos And Don’ts
Make Your Resume Scannable
Cover Letter Must Haves
Tips On Listing Certifications And Licenses In Your Resume
Resume Tips For Health Care Professionals
Reviewing Your Final Resume - What To Look For And Who To Ask For Help
Why You Need A Resume Even If You Own Your Own Business
Importance Of Honesty And Originality In The World Of Resumes
Addressing The Cover Letters – Avoid These Three Major Mistakes
What To Do When You Don’t Have The Experience For The Job That You Want
Five Common Cover Letter Mistakes
Listing Your Experience – How Far Back Should You Go?
How To Write An Effective And Original Objective Statement
Top 5 Common Resume Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Resume Writing Services – Pros And Cons