Good Feedback From Employers

Here’s what these employers had to say when asked these questions:

“What skills do you look for when making decisions about new hires?”

• Good attitude; teachable - willing to learn new skills, etc;
• Hard worker.
• How you present yourself during the interview and on your resume.
• Look for some longevity in employment: should not have a lot of different employers in short time frame.
• Your appearance: watch the amount of jewelry and body jewelry you wear to the interview. The work place still hires based on older generations code of dress.
• Ask the right question when you apply for a job with the company: Don’t ask “Are you hiring?” but rather “I am seeking employment as a _____”. The employer is more likely to allow you time for an application than just telling you “No”.
• Integrity: stability on a job; dependability on the job; punctual at beginning of your scheduled work shift.
• Have the right skills: math is needed at some level in almost every job. Good communication skills, background in general science, must have computer literacy.
  
  “What characteristics in an applicant appeal to you?”
  
• Have a polished resume - typos are an immediate turn off.
• Your resume should show related work experience to the job in which you are applying.
• Your completed work application and resume should be easy to read. The employment history should be descriptive of what you did on the job in the occupation you held with the employer.
• Your resume and application should have correct telephone numbers. Use a telephone number that will be consistent. Notify the employer if it changes. Employer stated that if one applicant had not had a friend that worked at the company they would not have been able to reach the applicant to schedule an interview.
• Your resume should tell something unique about yourself. It should show your accomplishment, achievement and result in positive impact on the company.
• Research the company. One employer stated he ALWAYS asked each applicant, “Tell me something you know about my company?” If applicant is really interested in working at the business, he/she will have researched the company.
• Know how to dress for the interview with the company. Ask people that work there or call and ask the receptionist.
  

“What advice would you recommend to applicants?”

• Always do follow-up after the interview. One employer said she preferred e-mail follow-up. Others wanted that hand written “thank you” note.
• Network with everyone you know. Let others help you find possible employment opportunities. Networking is the key to getting a job.
• Don’t leave a job if you are employment before you have another job offer. You want to reduce any unnecessary gaps in your employment.