5 Key Attributes Employers Check Out in Job Applicants

When a company is hiring, what exactly do they look for? Here's a peek at the 5 critical attributes that hiring companies expect to find in job applicants:

Education
Does it matter that you went to school? In many job vacancies, it does matter if you've completed high school or college or obtained a Master's or a doctorate degree. In some cases, even the school you went to will factor heavily on whether you land the job or not. Even a certificate course will mean the difference between getting the job and getting rejected.

Specific courses are often required for specific jobs. In the same manner that you can't ask a baker to build a house, you can't make a journalism major perform the job of a systems analyst.

Job experience, technical skills and other trainings
Other than your education, you have to bring something extra to the table. These will be judged by the hiring company based on your past work experience, any technical or special skills related to the job that you might have, special projects you have contributed to and trainings you have undergone.

Don't forget to indicate this type of information on your resume. It's a vital add-on to your desirability as a job applicant. It's also important to mention these attributes during the interview.

Special abilities and skills
Another important consideration for employers is any special ability you might have that can contribute positively to performing the required task. The ability to drive a vehicle, for example, is often a must-have attribute for certain jobs such as sales, marketing and service-related work. If you will be working on the production floor, being able to operate machinery or equipment is also a critical factor that will determine your employability.

Mental and emotional characteristics
Why do you think the hiring company asks you to take job application tests? To take a peek at your mental and emotional attributes, of course. Other than your intelligence, your aptitude for certain skills and tasks will be an added bonus to the company that hires you. And yes, how you handle common challenges such as stress, extra workload, disagreement among co-workers, unexpected surprises at work, etc. will determine whether you're the right candidate for the job.

Personality
No, it's not about looking like you stepped out of an Armani or Versace ad campaign, but it does help if you have a confident, outgoing, pleasant personality. This is often a key attribute that will help you stand out from the pack, particularly if the competition is stiff.

If you have the qualifications but prove to be difficult to work with, the job will probably go to somebody else. Employers count on your attitude not just towards work and the office but also towards people (co-workers, clients, customers and suppliers) and work situations that may arise. Character counts and your employer wants to know if you can deliver.