Employer's Expectations- V

Company loyalty

While some "job hopping" is expected in certain industries, many employers (who don't want to have to constantly train new employees) consider a track record of staying with a company for several years a plus. In fact, some employers look very closely at how many times an applicant has changed positions in the past few years when considering who to hire. Trying to find a better position within a company, or trying to negotiate a salary increase before changing jobs are all considered positive actions, since they indicates company loyalty.

During an interview, an employer may ask questions to see how much company loyalty the person has, such as "Why are you looking for another position?" or "What did you not like about your last job?" It is important to not create the impression that you are using your jobs as "stepping stones" as you leap from company to company for higher pay. The interviewer will naturally assume that you will do the same at his company.

Also, never disparage your former employer in an interview, since this creates the impression of a poor attitude (see trait number one above). Instead, try to be positive about your current job, while stating that while you enjoy it, you are looking for more challenge, or a chance to make a real contribution in the workplace.

Technical qualifications

The less training the employer has to do, usually the more favorably the applicant is viewed. In industries driven by technical or programming expertise, this becomes especially important, and the applicant should emphasize their related skills. Often, the person with experience relevant to a position will be favored over the one with no experience.

Computer skills are also becoming more important in many workplaces, and employees with this ability will have an edge over those who don't.

The person who has the traits mentioned in this article will be the one that employers have stated they are looking for. They are enthusiastic, eager to learn, and are at work not "putting in time" to get a paycheck, but because their job interests them. They are using their creativity and expertise to help their company grow and expand its client base. The person who develops these traits will do well, whether looking for a job, or for a promotion within a company.