For job seekers looking for careers in Phoenix or Tempe, standing out among the competition is essential. But how do you showcase what makes you unique for each client? Knowing what attributes employers want to see in candidates will help them create resumes and cover letters that get noticed. These skills and traits will also help you ace that interview. So what are employers looking for in their top candidates?
- Technical skills: Employers want candidates with the specific technical skills required to perform the job. This may include knowledge of software programs, data analysis, and other specialized skills related to the industry.
- Soft skills: Employers also value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills can help candidates work effectively with others, navigate challenging situations, and contribute to a positive work environment.
- Adaptability: Employers want candidates who are adaptable and can handle change. They want people willing to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities as needed.
- Leadership: Employers often look for candidates who demonstrate leadership skills, even if the job they’re applying for isn’t a management position. This may include motivating others, delegating tasks, and making decisions.
- Cultural fit: Employers also want candidates who fit well with the company culture. This may include shared values, work ethic, and communication style.
- Education and experience: While not always necessary for entry-level positions, employers often look for candidates with relevant education or work experience.
- Creativity: Finally, employers may value candidates with a creative and innovative approach to their work. This can help companies stay competitive and develop new ideas and solutions.
So how can you showcase these things and get the attention of recruiters in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Phoenix? Let’s take a closer look.
How can Job Seekers Stand Out to Employers in Tempe and Phoenix?
To best represent your soft skills, technical skills, leadership, creativity, and cultural fit, you want to create application collateral that uses the same language as the target company and draws direct lines between your skills and their ideal candidate. You have one chance to make a first impression, so do everything you can to ensure your resume stands out. Here are some practical tips.
Candidates Should Customize their Resume to the Job Position
Customizing your resume for a specific job shows the employer that you have taken the time to understand the position’s requirements and have tailored your resume to match them. This can make you stand out from other candidates who submit generic resumes.
You can highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job and increase your chances of getting an interview. Employers are more likely to invite candidates for an interview if their resumes demonstrate how their experience is relevant and includes data that reinforces their past success.
Customizing a resume also shows that you have a genuine interest in the job and are willing to put in the effort to make yourself the best candidate for the position. And it can make a positive first impression on the employer and set you apart as a professional and serious candidate.
Job Seekers Should Highlight Soft Skills
Soft skills refer to the more natural traits you bring to the table. They’re different than hard skills. Good communication or organization are examples of soft skills, while accounting experience or computer programming are hard skills.
To highlight your soft skills, use keywords and phrases throughout your resume. For example, if you are highlighting your communication skills, use words like “articulate,” “collaborate,” “present,” and “facilitate.”
Use specific examples in your resume to illustrate how you have used your soft skills in past roles. If you highlight your leadership skills, mention when you led a successful project or team.
You can also use your summary or objective statement to promote your soft skills at the top of the resume. You can highlight how your soft skills can benefit the employer to help grab their attention and make them more likely to read the rest of your resume.
Demonstrate your Achievements
Demonstrating your achievements on your resume is essential because it shows employers how you have added value in your past roles and what you can bring to their organization. Whenever possible, use numbers and data to showcase your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” say “increased sales by 20% over six months.”
Provide specific examples of how you have contributed to the success of your team or organization. Rather than “improved customer satisfaction,” say, “implemented a customer feedback program that led to a 25% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.”
Start your bullet points with action verbs to show what you have done. Strong words like “developed,” “implemented,” “led,” “managed,” “created,” “increased,” “optimized,” and “streamlined” land better than more passive words.
Emphasize the results and outcomes of your achievements rather than just your activities. For example, instead of saying “managed a project,” say “successfully completed a project that resulted in a 10% increase in revenue.”
And don’t forget to tailor your achievements to the specific job. Based on the job description, focus on what’s most important to the company.
Don’t Forget to Follow up After the Interview
There is one more critical step to your job search that you can’t forget. After your resume is accepted and you have an interview, always follow up with the recruiters in Phoenix or Tempe.
Following up with a recruiter after an interview shows that you are still interested in the position and the company. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and can help keep you top of mind for the recruiter.
It can also provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions or clarify any concerns that you may have about the position or the company. This can help you make a more informed decision if offered the job. It shows that you are professional and courteous and can create a positive impression of yourself and increase your chances of being considered for the position.
Following up will also help you stand out from other candidates who may remember this step. It will also help you build a relationship with the recruiter. Even if you don’t get the job, maintaining a positive relationship with the recruiter can provide access to other opportunities in the future.
Recruiters in Phoenix Share Four Tips for Job Seekers to Build a Successful Career
When working with employers or an employment agency in Phoenix or Tempe, you want to know what they value most. So what four tips do employment professionals and companies in the area recommend for job seekers?
Recruiters Recommend Job Seekers Do Their Research about the Company
Recruiters in Phoenix encourage all job seekers to research companies before applying and preparing for the interview. Doing your research can allow you to customize your resume to match the company better.
Researching the company can help you understand its values, mission, and culture. This can help you determine if the company is a good fit for you and if you share similar values and beliefs.
Knowing about the company can help you prepare for the interview. You can anticipate questions and have thoughtful answers demonstrating your company knowledge and fit for the role. It will also show that you’re genuinely interested in the job and the company. This can make a positive impression on the recruiter and increase your chances of being considered for the position.
Job Seekers Should Network and Build Connections
Research can also help you identify potential connections that you may have with current or former employees. This can be useful for networking. Other ways to network and build relationships include:
- Attend job fairs and career events
- Join professional organizations
- Use social media
- Volunteer
- Attend alumni events
- Ask for referrals
- Apply with an employment agency in Phoenix
Show Enthusiasm and Interest
Job seekers should show enthusiasm and interest throughout the job search process. When submitting your resume and cover letter, you can demonstrate a good understanding of the company and the role.
The cover letter is also an excellent place to add personalization and showcase excitement about the opportunity. You can also ask thoughtful questions throughout the process.
Confidence may also be a critical tool in your toolbox. Confidence can be expressed through body language and a positive attitude. Job seekers should also be assertive in their conversations without appearing pushy or arrogant.
Recruiters Recommend Demonstrating Unique Skills to the Employer
Wherever possible, candidates should point out what makes them unique to stand out from the crowd. This is often simply about personalizing the application and showcasing what makes you a qualified candidate.
You can also show your personality during the process. Some people are worried that being too comfortable and letting employers know their authentic selves won’t be professional and might turn people away, but the opposite is generally true. Companies want to work with genuine individuals who have different perspectives.
Build Your Career with the Help of an Employment Agency in Phoenix: CornerStone Staffing
Working with an employment agency near you is a great way to find a new position there. Recruiters work with area employers to find top-quality candidates for open roles. When a recruiter submits a resume, they endorse you as a candidate and will support you throughout the process.
Talk to CornerStone Staffing recruiters in Tempe and Phoenix today to see how we can help you find your next opportunity.
