Having Trouble Getting The Job You Want? Learn To Recognize What An Employer Is Looking For:

Have you ever read a job listings ad that left you more confused than confident about what the employer is looking for? Well, don’t be dismayed, you are definitely not alone.

One question many job seekers face regards the flexibility of the employer regarding the minimum qualifications he is seeking and if they are essential to being considered for the available position. Of course, that depends on the employer, but in most cases once you get an interview an employer will honestly look at all aspects of your resume before determining if they think you would work out for them or not. However, you should have done your homework about the company and have some idea of how your own experience will fit into what the employer needs and is willing to offer.  This often, unfortunately sounds easier than it is since so many job listings use such obscure language when seeking employees.

To help you better understand what an employer means by different terms let’s see what they are really saying. When an employer uses the term preferred skills the employer means that they would like you to possess those skills but they are not specifically required for being considered for that job. When they list a skill as required, however, the employee wants an applicant who already has the knowledge to perform those tasks that are listed.  It is, however, in today’s marketplace not realistic for an employer to always expect a candidate to meet all of their requirements so some employers may relax those requirements if your interview shows you to be an outgoing, hard working, career-oriented type of person. They probably will require that a candidate meet at least 80 percent of their requirements, however, before they would consider hiring them.

If a job listing asks for a working knowledge and command of something it means that they want you to know the basics of how to operate that machine or use a certain software program without additional training being needed.  They want you to be able to explain how it works at the interview and know it well enough to perform more complex projects and a higher level of work.

If the ad says that the position is entry-level employers are looking for someone who has been out of college up to two years. Experienced candidates have usually been working in the marketplace for over three years or have graduate degrees that are given some credit toward job experience.

Then you might wonder what the company’s pay scale is. If the ad says that the pay is competitive or scale research is essential on your part. Sites like CBsalary.com will supply you with the average salary for that job considering your location and level of experience. By figuring out what the competitive salary is for your area you can then figure out your worth and put up an asking price that is fair for both yourself and the prospective employer.

If an employer asks you for a salary requirement attempt to steer clear of the question because if you name a figure too low you may be short-selling yourself but if you name one too high you may take yourself out of the running for the job. The best way to avoid giving a figure is to give a range – one that you feel is fair for you. However, there is less wiggle room when the future employer asks for a salary history. Because this is an easy thing for the interviewer to verify it is best to be upfront on this issue since some employers may ask to see the candidates W-2 from a previous job.

If none of these questions answer whether you qualify for a certain job try to get an inside opinion. To do this try to network within the company or industry in order to meet people who can answer your questions or advise you. Another positive thing to do is to play detective prior to an interview. Find out what the company’s mission statement says. Find out where the company’s hopes to be in five years. Know the current company president’s name, the corporate structure and how  you can fit into company.

While nothing can guarantee you the position being prepared is a great way to start off a relationship with the interviewer and position you to be considered for other job opportunities in the future if this one doesn’t work out. Be thorough and follow up all interviews with a Thank you letter for the interviewers time and a call a week or so later to see if the position has yet been filled. This will let the Human Resources people know that you are still interested in employment with their company and perhaps get them to red flag your application for another look see. So, good luck on a successful interview.

[tags]employment, Human Resources, job postings, job opportunities, successful interview, salary requirement, competitive pay scales, finding employement, finding job, job requirements, required skills, preferred skills, working knowledge, entry level positions, [/tags]