Ever wondered what employers are looking for right now from job candidates?  What is the X factor that makes certain people get the job over others? Where do some candidates fall short? 

This week we’re taking a look at the things that our clients ask for time and time again.  We are on the ground (and the phone) everyday talking to employers in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane about exactly what they are looking for in their next hire.  We also spend a lot of time with candidates and have been able to distill the traits and experience that make some candidates get offers from everyone they interview with and others bounce from hiring manager to hiring manager without any interest.  

Employers’ Favourite Traits for Today’s Candidates: 

From our constant interaction with job candidates and employers, here’s what employers want right now: 

• Personality – In the current climate, personality goes a long way.  In fact, personality can give someone who lacks experience a leg up.  
• Culture fit – Did we mention personality? Fitting into the team is more important than ever as employees are choosing their jobs based on culture and a feeling of belonging rather than titles or salary alone.  
• Resilience – The ability to take a knock – a coworker leaves, you have a new manager, you’re moved to another project, or a global pandemic arises – and getting yourself back up again to excel in the next chapter is so important right now.  As is the ability to work both in a team and autonomously.  
• Self-drive – Being self-motivated is a given with remote work and hybrid schedules.  How well do you work when no one is looking over your shoulder?
• Being genuine and honest – Employers are taking a refreshing approach and being clear and not hiding information.  In turn, they expect this from candidates.  
• Know-it-all candidates are out – Zero hiring managers are looking for cockiness.  It is a red flag when it comes to collaborative work.  
• Post-Covid Philosophy – Team culture has become so important as employees ask, “why would you want to work with someone who you don’t want to work with everyday?”

Want to Hear the Exact Words of One of Our Clients?  

One of our favourite clients told us…  Here’s exactly what they want right now: 

 “We are looking for 2 key things: (1) motivations when WFH  (ensuring they can keep motivated if their preference is to WFH) and (2) attitude towards culture.  We find it is even more important to place an emphasis on company culture with flexible working as it can easily dwindle if you have a group of people who don’t make an effort! We don’t have that problem, but something I am conscious of so that we don’t get into a position where we do.

I think as a result of the above we have had success maintaining and growing our culture as we have on-boarded new starters remotely, we have not only hired the right people but the team is aligned with welcoming them in just as they would face-to-face.

We are encouraging 1-2 days a week in the office but not enforcing it so the above has been kept front of mind.”

How Can You Demonstrate These Traits?

1. Show you can work independently – Most people worked from home at some point during the pandemic.  Be sure you explain how you organized your time and describe your achievements while working from home.  If you haven’t worked remotely, use other examples of independent work.  Even projects at university can demonstrate your ability to work independently.
2. Let your personality shine – You probably can’t fix a broken personality. It’s not something you can train for, however, you can brush up on your social skills ahead of an interview.  Networking events, even online, give you a chance to brush up on your soft skills.  You can also practice interviewing with a professional friend or mentor.  Another great tip is to learn as much about the company you are interviewing with so you have something to talk about.
3. Practice showing how you have dealt with change –  Work on a few examples of how you have dealt with change in your jobs in the past.  It’s a great opportunity to show your resilience, ability to support others, and to think creatively. 

It’s a candidate’s market out there.  If you can learn to demonstrate you work well independently and are a good culture fit, and you should have no problem landing your dream job. If you are currently looking for a role, follow us on Instagram @upliftrecruitment for weekly job updates.