Employers usually look for certain traits in candidates prior to employing them. According to a recent survey from Express Employment Professionals which is one of the largest staffing firms in the country, the top three qualities observed by the employers in the candidates are credible work history (97 percent), job experience (88 percent) and specific skills (87 percent).

Qualities of an Ideal Job Candidate

Employers, while interviewing fresh graduates or those with experience, look for qualities and decide on their ideal job candidates. Some of these qualities are:

1. Confidence – if they are confident, then it will get noticed. To add to this, if they are enthusiastic, then it adds to their credibility. It will display their personal drive as well as make the interviews know that they have the necessary content. Apart from these personal qualities, they should also have a positive attitude which indicates that they are productive as well.
2. Awareness of the industry – they should have knowledge about the industry which includes current trends and events along with changes expected in the near future. Their resume should indicate that they are updated and are eager to learn and grow within the industry.
3. Leadership qualities – They should be able to make decisions and take up responsibilities as well as lead in specific area through displaying leadership qualities. Even if they do not have thorough technical knowledge but are confident and competent to take initiative, they can impress the employers.
4. Education – though only education is not enough and experience also matters, they need to have credible college degree specific for the job. If they have more specialized college degrees, it would be more impressive. It would add value to their qualification if the college degree is backed by adequate experience.
5. Communication Skills – apart from an impressive resume with education qualification and experience, if they do not have communication skills, then they might not be able to be effective in their job interview. They should be straightforward and communicate intelligently along with being confident and well prepared for the job interview.
6. Sincerity – They should be sincere and honest while interacting with the prospective employers. There should be trust between both the parties and the job interview should be based on it. If they are fresh graduates and do not have enough experience, then sincerity and passion will help employers to take a positive decision.
7. Manners – They should have pleasing manners and be courteous. Their employer would analyze whether they are courteous and well mannered so that they can effectively interact with their business partners or clients.
8. Dress code – Though appearance is not the deciding factor, it does matter to a certain extent to build the first impression. Some employers, during job interviews, do judge candidates by their attire and appearance.
9. Open-mindedness – most of them show flexibility especially if they are fresh graduates and show willingness to adapt to new environments and take up responsibilities are appreciated during job interviews.

Although, during a job interview, employers do look at the resume, but if you have impressive qualities, then you have better chances of being employed.