The 5 essential qualities employers are looking for in job applicants

When you're looking for a job, you want to make sure you stand out from the crowd in a positive way. That's why it's really important to know what employers are looking for when they're reviewing your job application. If you can show that you have the qualities and skills they're looking for, they'll be more likely to want to hire you. So let's take a look at some of the things that employers are looking for when they're reviewing applications for hourly jobs. 

Reliability

Reliability is a big deal for employers. When they're hiring someone, they want to make sure that person will show up on time and ready to work. They don't want to have to worry about whether the employee will be there when they need them. 

You can demonstrate this in many different ways. For example, if you've had a job before, make sure to include your work history on your online job search profile and on your job application, because your past experience is a good sign that you can be counted on. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience, even the basics–like making sure that your application, profile, and resume are free of errors or typos–goes a long way towards showing that you're a dependable person who takes their job seriously.

Positive Attitude

Having a positive attitude is super important when you're looking for any kind of job! If you have a positive attitude, it shows the employer that you're a friendly person who can be helpful to customers and fellow employees, which is exactly what they’re looking for.

There are many ways you can showcase your positive attitude on your job application. For example, you can talk about a time when you helped a customer or made someone's day better in your cover letter, in your follow-up email after applying, and during your interview. Showing that you have a positive attitude will help you stand out and show the employer that you're the right person for the job.

Communication Skills

Being able to communicate well is really important in most jobs. You'll be talking with and listening to customers, coworkers, and managers, so it's important to be able to say what you mean and understand what others are saying. Plus, if you're able to explain things clearly, customers will be more likely to get what they’re looking for and be satisfied. 

Remember that communications skills are just as much about paying attention and listening as talking. So when you’re thinking about showcasing this skill, think about times when you had to listen and communicate with someone to get something done. That could be an example from work, or from school or even your family. For example, you can talk about a time when you had to ask good questions to understand an assignment, and how you did that assignment better because of your communication. This shows that you're able to communicate with others to get things done. 

Teamwork

Being able to work as part of a team is important to most employers. Hiring managers want to see that you can work with others and help each other out when needed. When everyone works together, things get done more smoothly and with less stress. Plus, it makes the workplace more fun when everyone gets along and helps each other. 

You can highlight this skill in cover letters, follow up emails, and interviews by talking about times when you worked with others to complete a task. For example, you can say how you helped a coworker when they were busy or how you worked together with a team to make a project better. (Bonus points if you can talk about how you were able to listen to others' ideas and use them to make things better!) Also, mention how you were able to work together and help each other out when needed. Examples like this will show how you can be a valuable member of the team.

Flexibility

When you're working, it's important to be flexible. Employers want to see that you can handle different situations and that you're able to work when things change. Being flexible at work is important because things can change quickly and you need to be able to handle it. This type of flexibility is important for workers and it's something that employers definitely look for when hiring. 

When you're filling out your job application, it's a good idea to show that you're flexible. In cover letters, follow-emails, and interviews you can give more detailed examples of how you've successfully adapted to a new situation or handled a change. For example, you can talk about a time when you had to work a different shift because a co-worker was sick. Or you can talk about a time when you had to learn a new task at work quickly. You can also talk generally about how you're willing to take on new challenges and learn new skills. These are all ways to show that you're flexible and that you'll be able to handle whatever comes your way in a job. 

Bringing it all together

By understanding these qualities and skills, you can make sure that you stand out as a job candidate and show that you're the best fit for the job. Just remember to be yourself, show your enthusiasm for the job, and highlight your strengths and experiences that match what the employer is looking for.

Now it's time to take action and start your job search! With so many opportunities available, we're confident that you'll find a job that you'll love. 

Find jobs