What attributes do companies want in their employees? The answer doesn’t vary by industry or type of role. Employers want to hire people who are:
1. Smart
2. Practical problem solver
3. Kind to others
Here are tangible indicators for each characteristic:
Smart people:
- Apply their training and education
- Learn from their mistakes
- Anticipate and plan for important actions
Practical problem solvers:
- Accept reality and deal with actual circumstances
- Solve problems instead of ignoring or delaying them
- Deliver measurable value compared to resources invested
Kind to others:
- Share credit and give praise
- Show compassion
- Are honest and admit their own mistakes
Writing an effective resume and conducting a winning interview is the art of making a connection and delivering a consistent message that matters to the decision-makers.
How does your story show that you are smart, a practical problem solver, and kind to others? What evidence can you offer based on your prior training and work experience?
How can you communicate those are consistent traits you will bring and apply to benefit the employer? What are your best life anecdotes that show the best of those traits in you?
The best companies and the best leaders want smart, practical problem solvers who are kind to others. Whether on your resume or in an interview, you must convey your story to demonstrate you possess and consistently deliver results through these attributes. Tie it all back to how hiring you would be to their benefit. That will go a long way to connect you as the valuable solution to their urgent problem, which is the key to landing your desired role.
