You can do it — landing the job you want is possible. The key is to show you have both the relevant skills and ability to do the job, and will contribute positively to the work environment.
A survey conducted by the Department of Education and Training has shown that employers look for certain qualities in potential employees.
1. Attitude
Keep it positive: don’t underestimate the importance of an upbeat outlook.
Employers want staff who are keen, enthusiastic and committed. Interviews provide the perfect opportunity to show you possess these important attributes. It’s not enough to simply tell employers you are awesome, you need to provide examples.
Remember, the workplace is like a team — and we all want positive, eager players on our team. And, like team selection, once you are chosen it’s important to maintain a positive, upbeat attitude.
2. Communication
Regardless of what you do or where you work, effective communication is essential.
Communication is one of the most important lifelong skills — in both the workplace and personal life. Effective communication involves not just talking, but also listening.
Every job, regardless of the industry, will require you to communicate (verbally, written or both) to some degree.
3. Physical Presentation
Make an impression every day
The way you dress and present yourself can have a significant impact on how people perceive you and your employer. It is important to ensure you are conveying a professional image — for your sake, and your employer’s.
Dress standards and appropriate attire will vary among professions and employers. Some industries will require clothing that meets safety requirements (such as construction trades) and others will not.
However, regardless of the company policy, the following tips will help you to always make the right impression.
- No matter the industry or your personal style, always try to be neat and clean (personal hygiene is essential).
- Consider your role and the tasks you undertake (e.g. if you will be spending a lot of time on your feet, make sure you wear comfortable shoes).
If you care about how you present yourself, it will show your employer that you care about your job.
4. Reliability
Be consistent; take responsibility
Every relationship (personal and work-related) thrives when there is trust. Being reliable is an easy way to build trust.
How can you demonstrate reliability?
- Keep your promises. If you tell someone you are going to do something, make sure you do it.
- Don’t overpromise. Be realistic about what you can achieve and think things through before you make a promise.
- Don’t leave other people hanging. If you realise you have agreed to do something that you will now be unable to achieve, let the affected person know as soon as possible.
- Be consistent. Consistency shows you are reliable and that people can depend on you. It’s a great attribute in promoting trust.
- Take responsibility for your work. This is particularly important when working in a team as your performance will affect everyone else’s.
Make sure it’s a positive effect!
5. Punctuality
Time it right
Being punctual is important. It shows you are respectful and reliable. Alternatively, being late can be quite costly, literally: your boss can lose money, and you could lose your job.
Remember, if your starting time is 8 am, then your employer expects you to arrive in time to begin working at 8 am. Not adhering to work hours can be detrimental and costly to employers.
6. Initiative
Go ahead. Take action.
Regardless of your role or tasks, there is always an opportunity to do something constructive at your workplace without being asked — and your manager will greatly appreciate your efforts.
Ways of showing initiative in the workplace include:
- offering to help colleagues and team members with a particular project
- looking at ways to improve a current work process, suggesting your idea to your manager and offering to oversee or support its implementation
- undertaking a task without being asked.
