With the end of the year only weeks away, January is often a time for recharging the batteries, self-reflection and setting new goals for the new year. With the challenges we’ve had this past year, there is no denying we are all looking forward to a promising 2022, filled with good experiences and new adventures.
As you sit on the beach in January, or wherever you may go to relax, take some time to think over what 2022 will look like for you? Will you look for a new job, consider further education or even take a gap year?
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the job market, making it more competitive for young people. Whatever your goals may be for 2022, it’s important to understand what employers are looking for from their employees to give you a competitive edge in the job market.
As a business owner and recruiter, here are the qualities we look for when employing staff:
- A Good Fit For The Business
Employers want staff who will be a good fit for their business. They will be asking themselves, “Will this person fit in? Are they the right person for our company culture and are aligned with our values? Are they going to be part of our team, now and in the future?”
With this in mind, employers look for people to join their team who are:
- Someone With A Positive Attitude
- A Team Player
- Passionate About The Job and Industry
- Honest and Has Integrity
Demonstrating these personal qualities shows a business owner that you will be committed to the job and the business.
- Employability Skills
Employability skills are gained throughout your life through work, school, hobbies, sports, volunteering etc. These skills and personal qualities can be applied to any job and are transferable to different occupations and industries.
Employers place a high value on the following skills:
- Teamwork
- Initiative and Innovation
- Digital Literacy
- Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication
- Planning and Organising
- Problem-solving
All employers are different and place emphasis on different attributes, but generally, you need to show how you have gained these skills and how you can apply the relevant skills specific to the job requirements.
- Basic Skill Level To Do The Job
Employers know that they can teach the skills needed for the role they are hiring for, unless they are looking for someone with specific qualifications or a degree required for the job. However, we cannot teach someone to have the right attitude, reliability, or good communication skills. Employers are prepared to invest in the right employees who can contribute to the growth of the business. As the saying goes, “We can teach the skill, but we can’t teach the attitude!”
- Work Experience
Having work experience is highly valued by employers. You gain valuable skills from all jobs, which help develop your employability. Work experience also demonstrates reliability and a commitment to work.
Work experience can be gained from casual or part-time work, internships, work placements and volunteering.
If you don’t have any work experience, think of other ways you can demonstrate how you have developed your skills. For example, being part of a sports team or club, student leadership, or working on group projects.
It can be challenging if you don’t have work experience when experience is required. Do your research into the industry or job you are applying for so you gain a better understanding of the market you are moving into.
- A Willingness To Learn
If you don’t have work experience, you need to show your capability and eagerness to learn and work. Employers value staff who are enthusiastic to take on new tasks and open to learning and developing their skills.
For this reason, it’s essential to follow the jobs or industries that you are highly interested in and passionate about, as this will always shine through!
To gain more insight into what employers expect from staff in the workplace, sign up for Keyba Career’s short online course. You will have access to all the resources for 12-months, and it will help you be job-ready!
