What employers really want

If you’re looking for opportunities to grow your career and build your professional skills, it’s important to ask yourself, “What do employers really want?”

Whether you’ve been applying for job after job without any bites or you’re hoping to be promoted in your current role, considering what you bring to the table is an effective way to ensure you’re making yourself as marketable as possible. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

Confidence 

One of the most important things employers look for is confidence in their team members. Associates who are confident tend to be comfortable in a variety of situations, including ones that require dealing with conflict. Employers want to know that if you face a challenge, you’ll be up for the task. 

Additionally, confident team members are able to tackle hard tasks effectively. Whether you’re dealing with multiple intense projects or juggling a challenging workload, confidence means you’ll have the ability to face these issues head on – or have the awareness to ask for help when you need it. 

Capability 

Whether you work in an office or a lab, employers want to hire team members who are capable. Nobody wants to hand-hold as you work through your tasks, so it’s important that your employer understands that you’re not only skilled – you're ready to jump in and start solving problems. 

A capable employee is someone who not only understands the ins and outs of their current role, but who excels at completing their tasks. One way you can demonstrate capability on your job application or resume is by highlighting key elements of the job you want to apply for – and showcasing how you’ve tackled these issues in your current role. 

Another way? Earn new certificates or attend professional development opportunities that elevate your current skillset. For example, K-State Olathe offers a variety of professional development trainings, as well as custom trainings. These offerings are designed to take your skills to the next level. The best part? You’ll have a certificate of completion to show your boss or potential employer to showcase what you’ve learned. 

Communication 

While employers choose to hire people for a variety of reasons, skill and work experience aren’t the only qualifications a boss looks for. The right employee also brings a variety of strong communication skills to the table. 

Communication skills include more than just being able to write emails. You’ll also need to be able to solve problems efficiently, deescalate tensions, and explain projects in ways that everyone understands. Employees who are strong communicators understand how to keep key stakeholders looped in throughout various stages of a project, as well as how to frame situations for the best outcomes. 

If you’re looking for ways to highlight your communication skills to your current or potential employer, one of the best ways is to simply start communicating well. Make sure your cover letter is free from errors, for example. You can also send a follow-up email after any interviews that thanks your future team for their time while highlighting any additional skills you might have. And, when meeting with your current boss, speaking clearly and in an organized way can demonstrate that you value communication, as can being an active listener. 

No matter what your career goals are, make sure you ask yourself, “What does an employer really want to see?” This can help guide you as you progress throughout your chosen career path and ensure you’re able to acquire the opportunities that you really want.