If you’re in the market for a new job now, you probably feel like a kid in a candy store! There are so many employment options that it seems like everyone is hiring. While the job market is very accommodating to various skills and talents, with employers raising wages to attract candidates, you still must be prepared.
The top hiring criteria for employers are still appearance, dependability, and skills.
Appearance includes your dress. Are you overdressed for the interview, or appropriately dressed? Grooming– Is your hair, beard, jewelry, nails, scents over-the-top, or does your style fit into the work culture of that employer?
Speech– Are you able to hold an intelligent conversation when approached or do you exhibit aggressive language towards others? Do you take time to look someone in the eye when speaking to them or is your face pointed in your cell phone?
Behavior– Can you see yourself working in that environment and can you fit in with others?
Dependability– Are you able to be on time to work or are you always late? Will you finish job tasks once started and are you able to follow complete instructions? Can your word be counted on- do you say what you will do and then do it? Can an employer count on you to work hard and meet deadlines?
Skills– Does your previous work experience have skills that can be transferred, or do you require learning a new set of skills? Are you able to manage your time, establish priorities and even multitask?
People skills– Do you display a positive attitude even when things aren’t perfect? Are you friendly or are you standoffish? Can you be a part of the team and work well with others and your supervisor?
As you can see these criteria have little to do with the actual job skills but are very critical to your success. Learning to develop interpersonal skills, along with displaying character and a pleasant personality can take you far in life.
While the job market is open and moving fast with new hires making over $12.00 in some fields, to be retained and grow in any work environment, the key is developing strong adaptability, dependability and other job skills. These transfer to whatever job is in your future and will allow you to grow and thrive in any meaningful job you put your heart and hands to.
At JobsRVA we help individuals learn how to work through barriers, create a 60 second commercial and gain top notch interview skills to succeed in life. Find a job readiness class near you at www.jobsrva.com . Classes are forming now! You’ll gain confidence and a new network of people to support your career goals. Email us now at jobsrvainfo@gmail.com now!
Ajai Blue-Saunders is on staff with JobsRVA Inc., a Richmond area nonprofit that engages churches and nonprofits to address poverty through relational job training. She has over 40 years of experience in workforce development and has a background in program development, management, and journalism. Look for the JobsRVA employment tips every month through 2021. Contact them at www.JobsRVA.org or email at jobsrvainfo@gmail.com for more information on ways to volunteer or attend upcoming training classes in a nearby neighborhood.
