The Colorado Business Economic Outlook predicts that the state’s unemployment rate — forecast at 7.3 percent this year — will reach an average of 8.1 in the new year. In this weak job climate, it’s important for job-seekers to grab any advantage they can when looking for work.
A strong strategy is to create a solid resume that makes you today’s ideal employee, one who can be productive:
• *In a global economy
• At an multi-ethnic workplace
• Among employees of all ages
• With entry-level to experienced colleagues
• In an office or telecommuting at home
• Full-time, hourly or on contract
• Anywhere around the world*
A workplace this varied requires that job-hunters emphasize some additional qualities, too, to impress on potential employers that they are:
• *Flexible
• Decision-makers
• Big-picture viewers
• Detail-oriented
• Problem-solvers
• Technically current and skilled
• Happy with a can-do attitude
• Life-long learners
• Well-liked
• Consensus-builders
• Multi-taskers
• Collaborators and contributors on projects representing varied skills, personalities, products, methods and styles.*
*Much more than on time*
Yes, it’s becoming a new business world out there. But, the old, “gold-standard” traits still apply: arrive and leave on time, don’t call in sick often, maintain good hygiene, dress appropriately, and no flirting, bullying or bragging.
Still more valued key employee characteristics are dependability, honesty, integrity, willingness to work
and productive use of one’s time — both when busy and during slower periods.
Here are some additional hiring criteria, as seen from
an employer’s perspective:
• *Dependable* employees follow directions and work in a consistently accurate manner. They are able to work both independently and cooperatively as part of a group.
• A *team player*, they get along easily with others, whether working with peers, management or clients.
• *Honesty*, another key factor in an employee, means much more than just telling the truth. What is considered dishonest in the workplace? Consider an employee who works more slowly than the standard pace or does as little as possible on a project; this is a form of dishonesty.
Another example is an employee who takes home office supplies or takes advantage of breaks, or one that spends time at work taking care of personal matters, misusing the phone and the Internet.
*Pleasant and positive are pluses*
On a more positive note, employers want to see evidence of *good job performance and more*: uplifting attitude, excellent communication, respectful demeanor, conflict-resolution skills and even temperament. They should know how to resolve problems properly, rather than simply complaining and grumbling to co-workers.
A *good attitude* is among the most valuable tools job-hunters can market. It helps them gain the respect of co-workers, make friends and win a promotion.
Ideal employees *accept responsibility* for their work and actions, and know how to fix mistakes. They are willing to take on new challenges and are forward-thinking, ready to present new ideas, and support the company’s new directions.
All of these are common-sense ideas that are effective, attention-grabbing qualities that appeal to recruiters and managers. Be sure they stand out in a resume and job interview.
_Michael Behrenhausen is an editor and writer in The Denver Post’s Creative Services Department._