So, you’re in between jobs or fresh out of college and looking to make the next step in your career. Most job seekers think what really counts are hard skills relating to the core of the industry. Programmer? You’ve got coding languages down pat. Advertising? Luckily you’re the king of media buys and your creative side is blossoming.
But more often than not, employers are looking for more than just someone who lives and breathes the industry’s necessities. Some teams require skills they don’t teach you in school. These may be required due to workflow, team building or generally keeping pace with the office atmosphere.
These three additional skills are critical to your long term career wellness:
Attention
“Duh.” Right? You would be surprised just how complex and important it is for an employee to be attentive. In the big picture, it keeps information sharing to the necessary minimum and won’t cause major accidents. In the day-to-day, doesn’t work with someone who doesn’t pay attention frustrating? Repeating steps, directions or information. Opting to do it their way, regardless of how awful or ineffective it is?
Attention stops mistakes from happening, it keeps you on deadlines and, most importantly, keeps your co-workers from wanting to beat you up.
Additional Experience
If you’re applying for jobs with school and an internship under your belt you’re in for a world of rejection. Companies don’t want someone who just showed up, they want to see you making moves on your own. Candidates who take on additional internships, have a broad range of skills and education or have unique points on their resume get attention and show a positive attitude.
Employers don’t want somebody who does only what’s required. Having experience in multiple areas or with unique work show motivation.
Willingness to Learn
The usual tactic when interviewing for a job is to become a yes man. “Are you equipped for all of our requirements?” Yes. “Can you speak four languages?” Definitely. “Familiar with AdWords?” I practically built it. But, oddly enough, just about everyone on the planet has a story having shot themselves in the door doing this. To an extent, employers want a candidate who doesn’t need much guidance starting out. After all, they’re paying you to work, not learn. However, candidates who are willing to confess they aren’t experts in certain areas show humility and eagerness to learn, both admirable traits.