How can you discover what employers want in a candidate?

Engaging in online forums or specialized communities related to your field of interest can yield valuable insights. These spaces often host discussions among professionals sharing experiences, challenges, and sought-after skills in their respective industries. Participating in these conversations unveils insider insights into what employers value. This approach goes beyond generic job descriptions, giving you a powerful edge in crafting your application and scaling through interviews.

I find it very effective to analyze the job description and relate it back to your own personal accomplishments related to a particular responsibility. Furthermore, try to establish a quantifiable metric for your accomplishment. For example, if the job description states, "We need someone to help deliver projects on time and under budget". During the interview, I would share an example that includes: "...during my last major implementation, I served as the project manager for a global initiative. We were able to complete the project 4 months ahead of schedule, and ultimately saved the company over $3M."

Connecting with current or former employees is a valuable strategy to uncover what employers seek in a candidate. Reach out through LinkedIn, email, or phone to gather insights on company culture, the hiring process, expectations, and valued skills. Their insider perspective can guide you in tailoring your application and interview to align with the company's preferences. Networking in this way not only provides valuable information but also demonstrates your proactive and resourceful approach to understanding and meeting the employer's needs.

What I like to do is to ask on the first interview, what is the required skillset (must-haves) for this role, then I can assess my chances better and highlight the needed skills during the next interviews. I can also do my homework better and think when I used those specific skills at work, personal projects etc. and give these specific examples during the interviews.

Dependent on your audience (interviewers), I find it effective to ask: - What is the one piece of advice that you wish you knew upon joining the company? If you are interviewing with a manager who has strong tenure at the company, you can ask: - I see you have been with the company for a long time, and I find that highly impressive. What is it about the company that has kept you here for the past 10 years, and what is exciting you for the future? I also recommend questions about communication. These include: - How do you like to communicate with your team? - How effective would you say communication is within this particular department? How would you like to see that improved?

Asking thoughtful questions during an interview is a strategic way to showcase your interest and enthusiasm for the job while gaining valuable insights. Inquiring about the essential skills and qualities for the position demonstrates your commitment to meeting the employer's expectations. Questions about measuring success, challenges, and opportunities provide a deeper understanding of the role and the company's priorities. Asking about the work environment and culture helps you assess if it aligns with your preferences. Lastly, inquiring about the next steps shows your eagerness to move forward in the hiring process.

Short answer: ask. Long answer: Fundamentally, this question is wrong as it implies that one's responses should be tailored towards whatever the company is looking for. This is not being true to yourself. Frankly, not everyone will be a good match at every organization; sometimes there are mismatches even within the same company - I can personally attest. My advice is, be authentic during interviews. Focus on being able to effectively deliver SOAR (STAR) responses to behavioral questions. Interview them as much as they interview you. You may be able to answer questions 100% correctly and still not get the job due to reasons out of your control.

The job description / job posting is the easiest place to get a base understanding of what the company is looking for in a candidate, but it certainly isn’t all encompassing. There are intangible qualities and specific experiences that might appeal to a hiring manager; also keeping in mind if HR wrote the description it may differ from what the hiring manager is emphasizing in their search criteria. So what can you do? Simply ask them! Ask the interviewer what they are looking for, what they need most from someone in this role, and speak to your experience in those particular areas. Make sure you also spend a little time checking out profiles from other people currently working at the company in the similar position you are applying for.

Discovering what employers want in a candidate involves thorough research and proactive communication. Analyze job descriptions and industry trends to identify key skills and qualifications. Leverage informational interviews or networking events to connect with professionals in the field and gain insights into employer expectations. Additionally, review company websites, attend career fairs, and explore online forums to gather information about organizational values and priorities. Tailoring your resume and cover letter based on this research will enhance your chances of meeting employers' expectations and standing out as a desirable candidate.

Analyze job descriptions for the roles you're interested in, paying attention to the required skills, qualifications, and attributes. Explore industry trends and company values through their websites, social media, and news articles. Networking with professionals in your field or attending industry events can provide valuable insights. Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the company to gain an insider perspective. Additionally, online platforms like LinkedIn and professional forums often share information about desired skills and qualities. By actively seeking and synthesizing information from various sources, you can tailor your skills and presentation to align with what employers are seeking in a candidate.

I would also suggest: - Writing sincere and thoughtful thank you notes to each interviewer after the interview. - Dress to impress during video and onsite interviews.