6 Things Employers Look for During the Interviews

What are employers really looking for in an interview? This is a question that is frequently asked by the professionals when inquiring about our  interview preparation coaching

Landing your dream job takes more than just having the right qualifications on your CV. Employers are looking beyond technical skills – they want to find candidates who will be a good fit for their company culture and team.

So what exactly do hiring managers focus on during the interview process? Here are the top 6 things employers look for when evaluating potential candidates.

1. Confidence

Being able to clearly and confidently communicate your ideas, background, and work experience is crucial. Studies show that over 50% of employers rank communication skills as the most important quality when considering job candidates.

This includes being able to speak articulately, make eye contact, articulate your thoughts in a well-organized manner, and ask relevant questions.

Some ways to showcase your communication abilities include sharing a work story that required collaboration or involvement with clients/customers and describing how you resolved conflicts on past teams. Speaking slowly and making your point concisely will help you leave a great impression.

2. Knowledge and Ability to Perform the Job

The employers will ask questions about your previous experience to determine if you have the ability to excel in your role if offered the job.

Be prepared to demonstrate how your past experiences have helped prepare you for the position and that you have the skills that will help you succeed.

Understand the key requirements of the position and connect with your qualifications.

3. Problem-Solving Abilities

Problem-solving is one of the most transferable skills employers desire. This is because every workplace, no matter the industry, deals with unexpected challenges on a daily basis.

Hiring managers want to see that you have a proven track record of analyzing difficult situations objectively, considering different solutions, implementing an effective plan, and learning from the outcomes.

When asked behavioral questions about how you’ve handled issues in previous roles, provide specific examples of problems you’ve tackled, the process you went through, and the results achieved. Back up your responses with quantifiable data whenever possible.

4. Enthusiasm and Passion

Did you know that about 43% of managers cite attitude and enthusiasm as top priorities in a job candidate? Hiring teams want to work with individuals who are excited and engaged.

Throughout the interview, showcase your passion and interest in the company, role, and industry. Smile, maintain upbeat body language, and ask follow-up questions to demonstrate your enthusiasm.

When discussing past roles and responsibilities, highlight aspects you enjoyed most to convey enthusiasm. Fun fact: candidates who smile are nearly twice as likely to get hired versus those who don’t.

5. Your Ability To Work In A Team

According to recent surveys, 85% of employers value team players over individual contributors. The ability to collaborate well, build rapport, share credit, and consider varying perspectives is hugely important.

Provide examples that illustrate how you’ve worked cross-functionally, led/supported diverse groups, and successfully navigated team dynamics in prior roles. Mention any leadership roles or team achievements to underscore these soft yet essential skills.

Researching the company culture ahead of time and referencing its values system also shows your potential as a team member.

6. Work Ethic and Drive

Employers look for self-starters who are ambitious, organized, and willing to take initiative. Hiring managers want to know that you care enough to go above and beyond what’s required.

Make sure to highlight any times you took on additional responsibilities, set and achieved lofty goals, obtained results through self-motivation, or stayed late/came early as needed. Mentioning competence, dependability, and a strong work ethic through your answers conveys your drive.

The interview process looks at much more than just skills – it aims to assess your personality fit and determine if your qualifications, approach, and motivations are the right match. By emphasizing your communication abilities, problem-solving talents, enthusiasm, team skills, and work ethic, you’ll make an unforgettable impression on employers and increase your chances of landing the job.

Have you been attending several interviews without knowing what the interviewers are looking for? ? Invest in our professional interview coaching services today to help you prepare beforehand.