Qualities Employers are Seeking
Top 10 qualities and skills employers are seeking
In these harsh economic times, a good job can be hard to find and just as hard to hold on to, so we all want to stand out above the crowd. To ensure we are valuable to our employers we must know what traits they appreciate most in their employees.
1. Attendance
You cannot excel at work if you are not there to do the job. Even if you are an excellent worker, many employers claim to prefer an average worker with an above average attendance to a highly productive worker who cannot be relied upon to show up everyday. Keep absenteeism to a minimum and be on time.
2. Motivation
Time is money and an unmotivated employee procrastinates. Do your job assignments on time. Even better, have them finished well before the deadline if at all possible. If you have nothing to do at the moment, see if a co-worker could use your help.
3. Work ethic
An employee who possesses integrity doesn't compromise a job by taking unwise short cuts. He or she doesn't make excuses or blame others for their mistakes. An employee of integrity will take responsibility and do their job to the best of their knowledge.
4. Flexibility
Sometimes a company can't afford to create an opening for a new position, or they simply may not feel it's necessary. Be open to learning new job skills without complaining about the extra work load. After all, the more you know the more valuable you are.
5. Perseverance
Employers don't like workers who give up easily, as some tasks may be tedious and require patience.
6. Appreciation
If you want an appreciative boss, be a grateful employee with a positive attitude. You can show gratitude before you are ever hired by sending a short email thanking your prospective employer for taking the time out of his schedule to interview you.
7. Communication
An employer knows that a good employee uses strong communication skills on a daily basis to avoid confusion and errors. Ask pertinent questions and clarify directions whenever needed.
8. Job Pacing
Whether your job is fast, steady or slow paced, it is important to pay attention to your speed. If your job is fast paced, you'll want to be as productive as you can be without sacrificing safety codes. However, If your job focuses more on quality than quantity, going too fast may cause you to make careless mistakes. Do your best to pace yourself in accordance with the employer's preference.
9. Initiative
Employers aren't babysitters. If you see a job that needs to be done and you have the proper skills it requires, don’t wait to be told to do it. The phrase “I'm already on top of it,” can bring a quick smile to your boss's face.
10. Loyalty
Never say negative things about the company for which you are working. Stick to positive remarks and your employer will probably speak fondly of you in turn.
