What Employers Look for in a Job Candidate

Knowing What Skills and Traits the Employer Seeks is Key to Success

Apr 22, 2009

Understanding exactly what characteristics an employer is looking for in a job candidate aids in receiving that coveted job offer. Here's how.

The scenario is all too familiar. The interview goes so well, it seems like a shoe-in. The conversation was engaging; the skills, background, and personality match was spot on; and each of the four interviewers – the HR manager, the departmental Vice President, the manager, and the team leader – walked out of the conference room smiling and highly impressed by the candidate.

Several days go by without word. Meanwhile, the candidate has taken a break from the job search, and has possibly even celebrated by going out and spending some money. After several more days without word from the company, the candidate decides to contact the HR manager for an update. Whoops – it turns out the employer has changed his mind and has selected another candidate. What happened?

Why Employers May Select One Candidate over Another

The reasons why companies may choose one candidate over another vary greatly. The job description may have changed. They may have decided during the interview process that in reality, they wanted someone with more hands-on technical skills and managerial experience. The employer may feel the candidate may be better suited for another position at the company. Or, they may even decide to eliminate the position before the job is filled.

What Do Employers Look for in a Job Candidate?

When the job interview goes well and it seems as if the candidate will no doubt land the job, it comes as a major shock and disappointment when the person learns the company has offered the job to another candidate. While it could be the fault of rusty interviewing skills or poor preparation, it could also be a range of other factors outside the candidate's control.

Contrary to popular belief, employers are not looking solely for technical job skills. Companies are also looking for a good personality fit, solid business ethics, team-building skills, and enthusiasm for the products and/or services they provide. Employers seek candidates who are

How to Approach Employer after Job Rejection

If the candidate receives a rejection notice from the hiring manager after requesting a status update, he or she needs to humbly accept the fact that the employer chose another person for the job. The best way to respond to a job rejection notice is by emailing the hiring manager, thanking him for the update, and requesting to be apprised of any similar positions that become available in the future.

Bottom Line on What Employers are Looking for in a Job Candidate

Bottom line, employers are looking for more than just a rigid set of technical job skills when selecting their top candidate for an open position. Employers are also looking at the candidate’s personality, work ethic, positivity, reliability, attitude, and problem-solving skills. Understanding these characteristics and being able to identify them during the interviewing process will increase the chances of receiving that coveted job offer.

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