Important Facts for Jobseekers - Read it!

Studies have shown that most employers look for certain common traits in the people they hire. Listed below are the traits:

1. First impressions
2. Dependability and other personality traits
3. Skills, experience, and training

Let's examine each and one of these trait.

1. First Impressions

First impressions are important because negative ones are very hard to change. For example, employers in one survey said that more than 40 percent of the people they interviewed had a poor personal appearance. They were not dressed or groomed in a way that impressed the interviewer. It may not be fair, but it is a fact. First impressions can also include things like how you speak or whether you are friendly.

2. Dependability

Most employers will not hire someone unless they think the person will be dependable. This is often true even if the person has good experience or training for the job. Being dependable means being on time, having good attendance, and working hard to meet deadlines. It also may mean that you are not likely to leave the job after a short time. If you convince an employer that you are dependable and hard working, you may get the job over someone with better credentials.

How do employers decide who will be dependable? They look at your past experience as well as your present situation. If you have been dependable in the past, they know you are likely to be dependable in the future. The information you or your references provide about previous jobs, schooling, and personal accomplishments will be very important in helping an employer decide if you will be dependable. If employers are not convinced they can depend on you, they will probably not hire you.

3. Skills, Experience, and Training

Most employers will interview only those people who have at least the minimum requirements for a job. For example, they would quickly screen out applicants for an office job who could not use word-processing software. But employers often will hire a person with less training or experience over another applicant with more. Why? Many employers will hire the less experienced worker if that worker convinces the employer he or she will work harder or be more reliable.

In fact, most decisions are not based only on skills. If the employer thinks you can do the work or that you can quickly learn to do it, the employer may consider you for the job. If the employer thinks you will fit right in, be dependable, and work hard, you may get the job over someone with more experience!