Ask a Houston Headhunter: What Do Employers Look For in Candidates

You want a new job, but competition is fierce. How can you stand out to a hiring manager? First, it’s vital that you understand what’s important to them. As leading Houston, TX headhunters with over 25 years of experience, we know what employers look for when they’re hiring. Here’s a quick overview to help you in your search:

Good attitude.

You can have the strongest skills in the world, but if you have a bad attitude or come across as difficult or hard to work with, you’re going to be searching for a new job for a long time. Employers want people who are positive, motivated and enthusiastic. They don’t, however, want people who are going to poison their teams with negativity. That’s why during the interview, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re open to new ideas, learning new things and can handle stress in a healthy way.

Strong values.

Employers also want people who can demonstrate strong core values. This includes intangibles like work ethic and integrity, as well as more tangible activities, such as community service and mentoring. Hiring managers know that those with strong values are more likely to be committed and consistent team members.

Flexibility.

In today’s work environment, one thing is constant: change. And employers need people who can roll with the punches and who are willing to adapt. They also want those who can jump right into different projects and roles and help be a valuable player across them all.

Ambition.

Hiring managers want people who have some vision for their careers and are also motivated to succeed. They know these are the people who bring fresh ideas to the table and new innovations to the company. They also don’t want to do a lot of hand holding, and instead want people willing to take the initiative to achieve positive results.

When it comes time for your next interview, it’s important to demonstrate your technical skills and work experience. However, don’t forget to showcase the areas above either. When you do, employers will see a well-rounded candidate who can contribute positively to their bottom line.

Looking for professional help with your next job search?

Contact Houston, TX headhunters at Murray Resources. For over 30 years, we’ve connected high-performance individuals with leading-edge organizations. Search our jobs now, or contact one of our Houston, TX headhunters to learn more.