Skip to main content

The Top 3 Qualities Interviewers Look for During the Interview

Workplace Etiquette book written by Rebecca Black

How to Prepare for the Interview to Get the Job You Want

One of my jobs as an etiquette consultant is to train job candidates for interviews, which is becoming more and more difficult in this time of personal disconnect.  By this, I mean, that many people simply do not know how to talk to another face to face.  Many more do not know the simplest of manners as well.  Combine these behaviors and the interview process often becomes a source of comedy relief. 

But how about the common virtual interview?  You’re not off the hook.  Personal skills are amplified through the computer screen.

To keep me up to date with the interview process, I have contacts within various industries.  Insiders have shared these stories.  There was the job candidate who showed up in his gym clothes stating he didn’t have time to change.  Many answer their cellphones and text during the interview.  Moreover, most don’t make good eye contact or seem to care about anything. 

Since this appears to be a prevalent problem, I’ve decided to share what some of my contacts say is the top three qualities they look for in a potential employee. 

What three qualities do interviewers look for when interviewing potential retail employees?

With the bulk of his experience with multi-unit and big-box retailers, Steve Larson, a management consultant has interviewed and hired individuals for entry-level, front-line, and mid-level employees since 1985.  Steve states that “Engagement, passion for service – external and internal – and drive to exceed expectations” are the top three traits he looks for in a potential employee. 

He also emphasizes the need for the candidate to do his homework.  Steve states that “a candidate would benefit in reviewing situational questions that will spotlight the candidate’s ability to facilitate an engaged team, demonstrate critical thinking, and a passion for servicing others—internal and external.

What three qualities do interviewers look for when interviewing potential tech employees?

Charles Jo, a recruiter for Power Integrations, the global leader in eco-friendly power conversion semiconductors and electronics.   Charles feels that the candidate must first be, “Technically qualified for the role (e.g., education, specific degree) or equivalent work experience. However, the exact technical fit may not always be required if other qualities compensate.”  Next, he looks for, “Passion for the role, group, and company” and the candidate’s ability to state a “Strong story of how this job fits into their long-term career plans.”

Charles also states that “During the interview, candidates who get excited about the field and industry are more interesting.”  He also suggests, as Steve does, that candidates need to do their homework.

What three qualities do interviewers look for when interviewing for jobs in the Health Field?

According to Laurie Rose, vice-president of Human Resources for Sutter Shared Services, “The health care industry is undergoing its most significant change in more than 50 years, and our Sutter Health network has embarked on a journey to deliver great value to patients. To provide our patients with the highest quality and most efficient personalized care, Sutter Health looks for employees who can forge strong partnerships with patients, families, and colleagues.” 

Laurie agrees that applicants must “thoroughly research a position before applying.”  She adds, “A person should tailor the application to the job—detailing how his or her specific experience is relevant to the role. This extra effort shows that a person is truly engaged in the job search and has a passion for the position.”  Laurie suggests studying the organization’s website thoroughly, so that the applicant can converse about the “annual report, media stories and social networking sites.”

Laurie asserts, “During an interview, Sutter Health appreciates a candidate who can share specific examples of three core behaviors that are vital to our organization’s culture—compassion, collaboration, and creativity. These personal traits help an employee quickly adapt to and embrace change as we work together to deliver personalized health care to patients and their families.”

In conclusion

For those who really want a job in this market, it’s best to heed the advice from these three experts.  Do your homework and prove that you are the best person for the job! 

More by Rebecca

How To Keep Your Current Job, While Preparing for the Next

Time to Polish Our Professional Presence

How to Prepare for Your Interview


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Job Searching Tools

You lost your job?  Unfortunately, you are in good company.  To help you on your reemployment journey, check out a few free resources to help you prepare for the job search and connect with employers like:  monster.com ,  careerbuilder.com , and   usa.gov/job-search . In mining the Internet, you can find even more than just print advice.  Many sites include videos detailing advice for preparing for the interview.  All of this is free advice and available to all who have the time to search.   However, don’t just lock yourself up in your home office. Get out and meet others in our business/career of interest.  Call companies of interest to request a meeting. Visit career centers, especially from your alma mater. And don’t forget your friends and family.  Let them know about your job search and ask for job leads.   When laid off try to view it as an opportunity to reach for the job you might not have consid...
Post a Comment
Read more

Follow These Steps to Get the Job You Want

  Preparing for the Interview For over twenty years as an etiquette professional, I’ve trained countless job seekers.  Not much has changed in those decades, except our expanded use of technology.   Today, we can apply for a job using Social networking sites, such as LinkedIn.  We commonly use an email program to contact an organization’s HR department.  Additionally, we live on our cellphones.  Many times, we use these electronic appendages to reply to those HR departments and recruiters.  Some of those calls and emails could be the difference between a future job and a trip to the unemployment office.    Consequently, it would benefit all job seekers to follow a few of my suggestions.    Consider Your Use of a Cellphone Sure, texting is fast and convenient.  However, it’s not the best method to use for answering emails from a recruiter or anyone else who may be trying to a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Internships Can Lead You to Your Dream Job

  How to Get the Job You Want Let’s face it, even with the best education, the job market is a tough place to be.  It is incredibly tight and expectations of the newly hired are high. So, what is someone with little work experience to do?  As an etiquette consultant who trains job seekers, I always suggest internships for those who are still in high school and college.  Still, all can benefit from what a good internship can provide. What are the advantages and benefits of an internship? As your coworkers and supervisors evaluate you and your work habits, you are best able to evaluate how it would be to work in that business and for that particular company full time.   The internship also provides an opportunity to develop a work ethic and polish your people skills. Dealing with the scary people and learning new skills. More than likely, you will be learning new skills, as the work required may be a new experience for you.  The busine...
Post a Comment
Read more