When an employer decides to conduct an interview with you, there are certain things that they are looking for from you. Naturally, you are likely to focus on these things during an interview, but you should remember all of the tips in this manual because following those tips is what is going to make the employers see all of those things in you. Since everybody wants to have a leg up when it comes to an interview, it naturally seemed to be appropriate to let you in on what the employers are evaluating you on during an interview.

So here is that list.

1. • Your Enthusiasm: Employers want to know that you are willing and eager to be a part of their company. Being fully stocked with knowledge about the company is a sure fire way to show your enthusiasm.
2. • Your ability to speak clearly: If you approach an interview mumbling and speaking slang, a prospective employer will not see you as a professional.
3. • Showing your teamwork skills: You should show an example of your ability to work as a team during your interview.
4. • Leadership skills: You should show your leadership abilities by approaching your interview with an offensive train of thought.
5. • Problem solving ability: Employers needs to know that you can handle yourself when a problem arrives.
6. • Work related experience: You definitely want to show that you have some experience in the field already, so that the employer knows that you will not be overwhelmed.
7. • Community involvement: Employers love to see that you have done volunteer work. It shows that you take pride in your community, and a willingness to be a team player.
8. • Company knowledge: Again, this stipulates that employers like to see that you have done your research about their company. It shows that your interest in working for them is sincere.
9. • Flexibility: Employers want to know that you are able to go with the flow. It proves that they can depend on you later.
10. • Ambition and Motivation: Ambitious people are generally motivated enough to make great improvements in the company as they are working their way up the ladder. Ambition usually means more money for the company.
11. • People skills: Your ability to get along with others is very important to an employer. They need to know that you won’t ruffle any feathers when you are hired.
12. • Professional appearance: Nobody wants a slob working in their office. Be certain to dress appropriately for the job that you are applying for.
13. • Ability to Multitask: This is getting to be a very necessary skill in the workplace. Most days, you will be required to multitask. Even if you are not, employers need to know that you can do it without freaking out on them.
14. • Computer ease: These days, just about every company in the world is running on computers. The ability to work a computer with at least minimal amount of ease is important. It is best to keep a leg up on the most common software like MS Office, Quark Express, and Linux.
15. • Reliability: Employers want dependable and reliable people to work for them. Your ability to arrive on time is a good place to start when trying to prove that you possess this quality.

Employer Evaluations

Employers are generally monitoring and evaluating you on three skill sets during an interview. Those three skill sets can easily be broken down into these sections:

Content Skills

These are the skills that are directly related to performing a specific job in your profession. You get these skills by learning your craft in an accredited school through specialized training, work experience, attaining a degree, and internships. This shows an employer that you are have acquired all of the knowledge that you will need to perform your job efficiently.

If you do not have this type of skill available, you can simply express that you are looking into specialized training, and/or would be willing to start. It may not be exactly what the employer is looking for, but it shows that you show initiative.

Functional Skills

These are the skills that reflect your ability to work with others, and how you incorporate data. This is where an employer decides whether or not you are a team player. You can display this skill by displaying your past employment record and accomplishments that are directly job related. Generally an employer will get an idea of your ability to work with others depending on your reasons for leaving previous jobs, whether or not your were fired before etc. If you have been fired before, don’t lie about it, and do not act bitter about it when discussing the reason, this will not benefit you in the end. Be forthcoming and sincere. Express that it was a learning experience for you and tell them what you learned from it. It reflects well on your temperament.

Adaptive Skills

This is a general show of your personality and temperament. It also covers your self management skills. During your interview, the employer will be evaluating you on your general ability to get along with him/her. Your general personality traits are monitored during this time. When faced with a difficult question, you do not want to get defensive or angry. Just take a few seconds to think about what you should say rather than say something you will regret.

If you must; simply explain that you are little nervous so that you can buy a few extra seconds to answer. You want to appear at ease, (or as much so as you can) during your interview. You want the employer to think that you anticipated everything that he/she is going to say. Even if you are terrified at your replies, do not let them see you sweat.