by Lou Belcher

Created on: June 10, 2009

There are many traits desirable in an employee. Most employers would hire you if you demonstrated most of the following traits:

1. Punctuality. Be on time for your interview. If you are late for the interview, you probably won't be hired unless all the other applicants did something much worse. Punctuality says so much about you to a prospective employer. It says that you value the opportunity to be considered for the job. It says that the job is important to you. It says that you realize that the employer's time is important. And it says that it's more than likely that you'll be on time for work.

2. Good communication skills. Prior to your interview, find out as much as you can about the company, the position you are applying for, and the likes and dislikes of the management. When you are interviewed, demonstrate good communication skills. When asked a question, pause to formulate your answer, and then present it as effectively as you can. Don't spend an undo amount of time during the interview talking about non-job-related topics, such as hobbies and interests. The interview is the time to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively about what will be required of you on the job. That's what will impress a future employer.

3. Self-starter. Employers love it when they find employees who can take care of themselves and naturally do what is best for the business. During the interview process, it's difficult to demonstrate these skills, but you can do so by asking what level of responsibility you'll have on the job and demonstrating that you will be able to function with little supervision.

4. Innovation. If there is a way to show during the interview and hiring process that you possess creativity, it'd be good to do so. Employers always like to hire folks who can solve problems easily.

5. Teamwork. In many businesses today, projects are completed by teams of people. So, team-building skills and collaboration skills can be a prime concern for employers. If you haven't had an opportunity to work in an employment situation where you were required to work as part of a team using collaboration skills, think through your life experiences to have some examples ready of when you did use team skills. Certainly you must have worked as part of a team in school or in a social club. Or, if you were in sports, that could be your teamwork example. Just have an example ready that shows your potential employer that you will work well with others.

If you prepare in advance for your interview, you will have a much better chance of impressing that potential employer.

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