The Skills You Have and the Skills They Want

Article by Michelle Tullier, Monster Contributing Writer

Anyone who can write term papers, cram for exams, survive the roommate from hell, run a campus club, participate in sports or tackle other college challenges deserves a job and has demonstrated the ability to hold one.

Hot Skills Employers Want

Experts who study trends in hiring find that most companies, regardless of size or industry, look for the same basic skills when hiring. Believe it or not, you are most likely to develop these competencies during college. They include

• Critical Thinking: Seeing the big picture and being analytical; comprehending what you need.
• Communication: Getting your point across effectively when writing and speaking.
• Visionary Qualities: Brainstorming, looking to the future, setting goals.
• Self-Motivation: Showing a willingness to take the initiative.
• Proficiency with Information: Being inquisitive, curious and resourceful, knowing how to conduct research.
• Globally-Minded: Understanding and showing an interest in other cultures and getting along with diverse groups of people.
• Teamwork: Working well with others to achieve common goals.

Chances are, you possess a number of these key competencies. Once you realize you are very skilled, you'll be better able to sell yourself to employers as exactly the type of candidate they want.

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7 Employer Danger Signs: When to Turn Down a Job Offer

Article by Charles Prudy, Monster Senior Editor

According to the US Department of Labor, the average employed adult spends 7.5 hours a day on the job. Over time, that adds up to a significant chunk of your life, so (as many people know from experience) an unhappy work situation can make the rest of your life pretty miserable as well.

For that reason, you'll want to avoid working for a miserable company.  But how can you spot a bad company to work for? By doing your research and looking for the following seven warning signs during the hiring process.

1. Communication with you is unprofessional or disrespectful. Your treatment during the hiring process is a clue as to how you'll be treated as an employee.
2. The recruiters and hiring managers actively distrust you. Just as you don't want to make a bad career move, employers don't want to make a bad hire--so expect a background check and reference check. These checks should all be carried out in a non-accusatory manner.
3. The workplace seems unhappy. You shouldn't take a job without paying a visit to where you'll be working. Note the attitudes and interactions of the workers there as well as the overall environment.
4. The company has a bad reputation. The Internet makes it easy to find out what former and current employees have to say about a company. Doing your research into this aspect of an employer should be part of how you prepare for a job interview.
5. You don't think you'll get along with your boss or colleagues. Be sure to discuss work styles and communication styles with the hiring manager to make sure they are at least compatible with yours.
6. The job's duties are unclear, or your interviewer can't define what success in the role will look like. After you have interviewed with one or two people, you should have a clear idea of how your job performance will be measured and what your key objectives will be in your first few months on the job.
7. They want to hire you right away, without any interviewing or reference checks. Desperation on the employer's part can be a danger sign. In the hiring process, recruiters and managers often rely (at least a little bit) on their "gut" when making decisions about candidates. Trust your gut, too. If it doesn't feel right, do a bit more research before accepting a job offer.

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Nonverbal Communications: Escape the Pitfalls

Article by Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer

It begins even before you say your first word in an interview. As the interviewer walks towards you to shake hand, an opinion is already being formed. And you sit waiting to spew out your answers to questions you've prepared for, you are already being judged by your appearance, posture, smile or your nervous look.

Don't underestimate the value of a smile. In addition to the enthusiasm it expresses to the interviewer, smiling often makes you feel better about yourself.

Nonverbal Messages:

• The Handshake: It's your first encounter with the interviewer. She/He holds out her/his hand and receives a limp, damp hand in return-not a very good beginning. Your handshake should be firm--not bone-crushing--and your hand should be dry and warm.
• Your Posture: Stand and sit erect. We're not talking ramrod posture, but show some energy and enthusiasm. A slouching posture looks tired and uncaring.
• Eye Contact: Look the interviewer in the eye. You don't want to stare at her/him like you're trying to look into her/his soul, but be sure to make sure your eyes meet frequently.
• Your Hands: Gesturing or talking with your hands is very natural, but keep it in moderation.
• Don't Fidget:: There is nothing worse than people playing with their hair, clicking pen tops, tapping feet or unconsciously touching parts of the body.

Preparing what you have to say is important, but practicing how  you will say it is imperative. The nonverbal message can speak louder than the verbal message you're sending.

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6 Key Interview Answers Employers NEED to Hear

The reality is that employers have neither the time nor inclination to play games with you, especially when hiring. Your interviewer is not trying to outguess you--he/she is trying to assess your answers to six key questions:

1. Do you have the skills to do the job?  According to Brad Karsh, a former recruiting professional for advertising giant LEO Burnett and the current president of career consulting firm Job Bound, the employer must first determine whether you have the necessary hard skills for the position.  The interviewer is also looking for key soft skills you'll need to succeed in the job and organization.
2. Do you fit? "Every organization's first thought is about fit and potentially fit in a certain department," Corey Blanck says. That means the interviewer is trying to pinpoint not only whether you match up well with both the company's and department's activities but also whether you will complement the talents of your potential co-workers.
3. Do you understand the company and its purpose?  If the organization fits well with your career aspirations, you'll naturally be motivated to do good work there--and stay more than a month or two, Corey Blanck reasons.
4. How do you stack up against the competition?  You're being evaluated in relation to other candidates for the job.
5. Do you have the right mind-set for the job and company?  "I'm always looking for someone who has a can-do type of attitude," Corey Blanck explains. "I want someone who wants to be challenged and is internally motivated to do well."
6. Do you want the job?  Most employers know better than to believe everyone they interview actually wants the position being offered.  They understand some candidates are exploring their options, while others are using an interview with a company they don't care about to hone their interview skills.

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Article by Peter Vogt, Monster Senior Contributing Writer