11/01/2018
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College students should be aware that employers look for much more than just good grades. Employers believe that well-rounded students who have had a broad range of on-campus and off-campus work and learning experiences tend to perform at a higher level than students whose experiences and performance were limited to classroom. The best employers seek students who have proved that they can excel in more than one environment.
Employers look for students who can:
1. Make Good Decisions
Learning experiences come from involvement, participation and work. When students have had a broad range of experiences, they put themselves in a position to use those experiences to make better decisions. Employers know that mistakes and bad decisions are costly and counterproductive. That is why they look for students with know how and personal experiences similar to those their employees will face on the job. Most experiences come from involvement, participation and work.
2. Ask Good Questions
Questioning is a form of information gathering that shows interest and clarifies both problems and solutions. Experienced students who ask good questions and learn from the discussions and answers are likely to be the ones who contribute the most. Good questions will usually identify the alternatives and new ideas that lead to the best solutions.
3. Communicate Effectively
When students correctly and effectively utilize all forms of communication, they put themselves at the head of the line. Communication is a necessary part of every position of responsibility. If you cannot speak and write properly in a variety of situations and assignments, you will quickly be eliminated from consideration.
4. Act Independently
Employees who have the confidence to take action without being told when, where and how to do something are valuable assets in any organization. The best employees not only perform their own duties well, they help other employees and look for something else to do when they have finished an assignment.
5. Work Well With Others
It is often more important to be well liked by a large number of employees at all levels than to perform your duties at a superior level. On the other hand, if you are not liked by many employees, you will not last long. The object is to both be well liked and perform at a high level. Employees who are able to do both generally have highly successful careers.
6. Take Reasonable Risks
Some people are afraid to take any risks at all. Others are reckless and take unreasonable risks. However, all successful organizations need people who take reasonable and calculated risks in order to get the job done. As you move up in the organization, you will be expected to evaluate situations and opportunities to determine the best approach. If you cannot or will not take on that responsibility and do it well, you will not be given many advancement opportunities.
7. Solve Problems
Every job has its own problems. Small or large, those problems must be solved in ways that are good for the company and its customers. Employees who are good problem solvers are quickly recognized and greatly appreciated. Your ability to solve problems will be tested every day.
Savvy students identify the qualities and experiences that are valued by their target employers and do their best to obtain some experiences and successes in those areas. Students who fail to participate in clubs, activities or organizations and have not held a part-time or summer job will find that they have missed out on opportunities to impress the employers that matter most to their futures.
Source: Ezinearticles
Bob Roth, a former campus recruiter, is the author of five books, including OMG, The Things I Learned In College, A Successful Senior Year Job Search Begins In The Freshman Year; The College Student's Companion; College Success: Advice for Parents of High School and College Students; The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job and The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. Known as The "College & Career Success" Coach, Bob writes articles for college career services offices, campus newspapers, parent associations, and employment websites. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs across the country and by many publications, including U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal. Bob has also created The Job Search Preparation System™ for colleges to use to help students find greater success in the job market. For more, please visit Bob's site at The4Realities.com.
© 2018 Bob RothThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.