Question:
What differences do you see in what employers were looking for in
employees a few years ago as opposed to now?
First Answer:
Two words: computer and Internet.
But surprisingly, what employers want has less to do with technical
skill and more to do with behavior and attitude. Employers need workers that
can thrive in environments of constant change, an ability to adapt to
upgraded systems and technologies and that can demonstrate skills in
self-learning. Industry surveys indicate that corporate training is retained
only 20 percent of the time. Even more enlightening, more than 73 percent of
executives say that they cannot train their people fast enough to keep pace
with changing technologies. What they most want and need are workers in tune
with the changes of technology that can keep up on their own-- willingly.
Employers have also voiced a desire for better communication skills.
This too is a byproduct of a workplace gone mad with technology. The
Internet has made many businesses global. They need workers that can
communicate online to differing cultures and even in different languages.
The efficient use of email, voicemail, fax and other electronic means is an
acquired skill too.
Finally, employers have spoken for better "soft skills" from new
employees. These are attributes of honesty, integrity, reliability, and
dependability. These are skills that improve interpersonal relations with
people whether they be in an office, on the phone or over the Internet.
Employers need employees that can "connect" with others-- no matter in what
venue they find themselves working.
-- Kelly Stone, myjobsearch.com.
Second Answer:
In today's job market, loyalty is big and gaining momentum. Employers are
concerned about hiring bright people and then having them move on in a year
or six months. Candidates who express a sincere desire to learn and grow
with a company, and who actually feel pride in the work they are
contributing to is a rare thing in the year 2000.
While this is not the only difference, it is certainly among the biggest.
Generation Xers (if you were born in 1965 or later) seem to view work
differently. "Job Hopping" is not viewed as a negative like it once was.
Getting "bored" is a common reason to move on and find new work. However,
most employers are baby boomers (pre-Generation X) and value company
loyalty, "paying your dues," and establishing a history in one or two places
in their career.
Neither is right or wrong, but consider this: in almost all industries new
employees actually lose the company money during the first six months of
work. Why? Learning the routine and unique systems of any new work
environment takes time. This time costs the company money. You are not as
productive as your peers who have been there longer. If you stay only long
enough to get bored, then they profit very little if at all.
In wrap this all up and go back to the original question, what would YOU
look for in an employee if YOU were starting a company? Really think about
it.
-- Holly Lentz, Lentz Productions
Third Answer:
The biggest difference I see in what employers are looking for are computer skills, from the most basic Microsoft Word to the variety of more advanced presentation and design software packages.
The second thing is a distinctive record of accomplishment. It's no longer good enough just to have worked someplace for a period of time. You have to be able to demonstrate that you have contributed in a meaningful way, and the more specific the better. Pressures are so intense to increase sales at most companies that a "doer" who can contribute in a meaningful manner immediately, is a sought after commodity. The saying "you will be distinctive or you will be extinct" is not too far off, in this environment, in my opinion.
-- David E. Gordon,
Advertising/Promotions Internship Office, Columbia University in Chicago, Illinois
