Three Things Employers Love

Proactivity

That time you ran the tuck shop in the students’ union, or volunteered handing out leaflets promoting the end of year ball, or contributed to the university newspaper...all these things that you may have dismissed as being too random or trivial to be worth much on a CV could actually be a great asset you have forgotten about. A lot of people might assume that only a proper, fully fledged permanent job that you were in for 2-3 years is something that employers are interested in. And yes, “proper” jobs are very important, but those volunteering positions and commitment to your hobbies are things that can make all the difference.

A positive, can-do attitude

Enthusiastic and possibility oriented people make employers’ lives so much easier. They contribute to a happy and friendly workplace, and they generate their own motivation. Their energy and zest for life is contagious, and ultimately leads to increased productivity.
Companies need the support of employees who will help to bring their company forward into new levels of success. Positive people are usually open to change, and ready to grow and develop with the company.

Flexibility and ability to adapt

The way businesses operate is changing for many reasons, including the evolution of technology, and the changing demands of the public, as well as the way society is run. So, as companies are adapting and negotiating these significant alterations, they need flexible employees who will be able to change and adapt with them, and not get left behind.

If you are someone who loves learning, and easily gets bored with the same prolonged routine, the chances are that you naturally have this quality. To maximise this on your CV, highlight examples in your employment history where you adapted quickly to a new piece of software, or a change of company structure. This could also be apparent at times when you began a new job, and quickly slotted into a brand new culture or approach.

This feature appears in the 2016-17 issue of Sharing Success Magazine, on page 59.. To read the full version of this article, subscribe for your paper or digital copy.