Understand the Employers' Point of View

Maturity and Confidence
One of the most important factors that employers weigh heavily is maturity. Many young graduates, in one-to-one situations with older adults, simply don't come across being mature and confident enough for the professional world. Unfortunately, such judgments are often made based on a brief one-on-one interview. Your references could help you in some cases, but your interview is going to matter much more. So, it’s really important to know how you can prepare for your interviews, and how you can make sure that you project yourself as a candidate who is mature and ready to enter the business community.

Professionalism
Employers will also want to know whether or not you have a professional demeanor. This demeanor is difficult to define, but it is perhaps best understood as the ability to "fit in with others" in a given work group, adhering to their standards of communication, dress, and conduct. Your professionalism is something you need to prove to employers as soon as you contact their firm. One of the ways you show a company this, of course, is by following a more or less accepted format for your resume. Your cover letter also needs to look professional. In terms of dress, it is important that you look like you will fit in at the company from the very first glimpse. In your answers and presentation at the job interview, you must convey that you know how to conduct yourself properly in a business setting.

Adaptability and Growth
Proving you can do a certain job is not enough. Companies, especially those hiring for management training programs, also want to see that you are going to grow within the company. Employers hope to use these programs to groom potential future senior managers. You must assure them that you are capable of adapting to new positions within the company and that you can handle a good deal of responsibility.

Plus…
Punctuality is a sign of responsibility. It follows that you've got to be on time for the interview. (Many people aren't.) What's more, you will have to project the image of a business-oriented person by showing an interest in the industry and in the business world in general. To be sure, employers also want to see that you can perform the job.


Dr. J.E. Burke, President, J.E.B. Resume Service and J.E. Burke Writing Service is writer, researcher, educator and entrepreneur involved in various business enterprises through Burke Publications. He has published many articles on a variety of topics. Please visit http://burkepublications.com or email jeb@burkepublications.com .