What employers really think?

What Do Employers Really Think?

Have you ever wondered about what really matters to employers when going in for that interview?  As a job developer working with both clients who are looking for employment and employers looking for new staff, I have the opportunity to hear a lot of helpful information.

Over the last few weeks it seems like the universe has cooperated in providing me with interesting fodder to share with readers. 

The first step is contact

When presenting your resume to an employer or your counsellor who is presenting on your behalf, make sure your contact information is correct.  Check your email and voice mail regularly as employers only have one opportunity to get you before they move on to the next candidate. Have things in place so that you can attend an interview that suits the employer’s schedule not yours, and if you are not sure, become sure quickly and make arrangements without providing the employer with the details. And consider your answering machine recording, does it sound professional or are you sounding like a prankster with too much time on their hands.  Another key piece of advice from an employer who was attempting to set up an interview was; who is answering your phone when you are not home…..this feedback from a recent employer trying to get an individual in for an interview…..

When I finally got through, I spoke to her brother.  He sounded young and unsure about her whereabouts. When I finally connected with the candidate she was unable to attend the interview I suggested as it did not suit her schedule when picking up her son. She may be unreliable, I am not sure if this is the right job for her.

First impression matters

So you have the interview and now you have received some great tips from your counsellor and the valuable employment counsellors in the resource room.  The rest is up to you and part of your responsibility is to apply what we are encouraging you to practise when you are in an actual interview situation.  Consider your attitude and the small talk that can flow freely from our lips….some more feedback from one of our employers….

I am not sure about him; he seemed to complain about a lot.  He commented about the government and how they were such a money grabber.  I have a feeling that he might not have the attitude that we are looking for here at our facility.

Dress for the interview in a professional, suitable to the workplace manner. Our first impression and how we present ourselves is critical and you only have one chance to leave that impression.  I give you once again direct feedback from one of our employers….

Client showed up for his interview wearing a maple leaf jersey/jeans.  The other two candidates we interviewed on that day showed up wearing a casual dress shirt and khaki pants.  He did not provide us with an overall good first impression. Jeans would have been acceptable but I’m suggesting that he purchase an inexpensive golf shirt or something. 

Prepare for your interview

Think of yourself from an employer’s perspective, when you look at your work story how would you market yourself favourably and authentically.  Employers are humans as well, they understand that we have events in our life that prohibit us from keeping a job but preparing a reasonable explanation with some humble insights are required to show growth.  The wise employer speaks authentically….

One of our biggest concerns was ambition and initiative.   He informed us that he was fired from Company ABC after returning from an illness/injury and stated that he was not informed why nor did his union back him up.  Being fired we appreciate can happen to anyone.  He would benefit from being coached as to how to answer this question.   His response left us feeling that there was likely more than what he disclosed and raised some red flags and did not provide us with any confidence that he learned anything from this experience.   

Our biggest concern was his responses regarding what he has been doing or rather not doing since 2010 to find employment which gave us an overall impression that he really was not taking active steps to secure employment (casual, part-time or full time) or develop himself.

So keep applying those great techniques that your Employment Counselors and Job Developers promote in your interview preparation.  Realize that they play a big part in creating a culture of fit with that potential employer, as an interviewee you have the ability to set a great tone and the key to your success.