How to be competitive for Jobs (Part 2): What do employers want?

The most important thing for an employer is to get a sense of who you are.

To give an employer an idea of the type of (awesome!) employee you will be, you’ll need to demonstrate your:

• Job specific skills

Tailor your resume to the role by highlighting how your skills match what they’re looking for. 

For example: For a childcare job, your many years babysitting younger siblings is likely more relevant than your time working in a café.

• Qualities and strengths

Are you a good communicator? Are you honest, respectful, punctual? Your common sense and people skills can speak louder than your qualifications.

• Knowledge of their business

Try to get inside the employer’s head - who exactly are they looking for?

Research, research, research! Find out about the employer so you can explain how your skills and personal qualities match their business.

Hot tip: It’s often easier for employers not to advertise jobs at all. So don’t wait for a job vacancy to approach an employer.

Did you know that 1 in 3 positions are not advertised? So don’t be shy about your jobsearch – tell people you know that you are looking and grab your résumé and visit employers you want to work for.

For more information, check out our article Australian employers offer advice to young jobs seekers.