“What are your passions and interests?” is one of the most frequently asked questions in any job interview. Employers no longer want to merely look at a candidate’s academic qualifications or past work experience. They want to go beyond resumes or CVs and check whether the people they’re hiring are a good fit for the organization and have the necessary social, behavioral and cognitive skills to enhance the workplace culture.
It’s safe to say that in today’s professional world, employers want to go beyond basic job expectations. It’s especially important for recent graduates, who are about to start off their professional journey with limited experience.
The New Era Of Job Expectations
Employer expectations from an applicant have changed over time because employers have realized that the right combination of characteristics, attitudes and qualities is beneficial for the organization. This has emerged as a priority because often an employee is unable to fulfill expectations in their roles. There is an imbalance between what the employers expect versus what the employees are able to deliver. This gap has led to new employee expectations, as employers seek out outlier candidates.
Here is a list of expectations for employees that double as the most desirable characteristics organizations look for.
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Taking Initiative
Taking initiative is a crucial leadership skill. A majority of businesses rely on confident individuals who can take charge whenever needed. The ability to get things done without being asked is an added advantage. (Xanax) This trait also highlights that an individual is self-assured and has strong decision-making capabilities.
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Open-Mindedness
One of the most common job expectations is the ability to be flexible and adaptable. Today’s fast-paced work environments expect employees to stay updated with changing industry trends and demands. Accepting challenges as they come and growing every step of the way is a valuable trait.
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Result-Oriented
Excellent employees not only think big but also deliver beyond expectations. Result-oriented individuals are focused on accomplishing tasks, no matter how many roadblocks or challenges there are. They’re resilient in the face of challenges and remain prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
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Professionalism
First impressions matter a lot, whether someone is appearing for a job interview or meeting a potential client. Proper etiquette, mannerisms and body language matter in the workplace as employees represent the organization. Amidst new employee expectations, professionalism and maturity are a priority.
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Dependability
Dependable and reliable employees are committed and make sure that they fulfill their tasks on time. This makes it easier for managers and team leaders to delegate responsibilities because dependable individuals ensure that all the targets are achieved. Reliable employees value job expectations and performance levels.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit
Employer expectations include innovative thinking and creativity. Having an entrepreneurial attitude helps people engage in creative problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking. The ability to anticipate and formulate innovative solutions is a valuable trait. It even helps the organization go above and beyond and deliver high-quality products and services.
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Continuous Learning
Lifelong learning, also known as a voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge, is one of the recent job expectations trends. Employers want to retain the best employees and one of the easiest ways to do this is by encouraging them to expand their knowledge base and skillset. The willingness to learn more also shows that employees want to grow and help the organization grow as well.
Meeting New Professional Expectations
Academic institutions such as colleges and universities shoulder the responsibility of helping their students prepare for the professional world. With an ever-growing list of job expectations, it may be difficult to keep up with industry demands. Here’s how placements cells and/or career advisors can help students prepare and ace their first job interview.
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Makes sure that students tailor their resumes to the job expectations and avoid including any unnecessary details that may overshadow their qualifications and competencies
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Ensuring that employer expectations are in alignment with potential employee expectations; there is proper communication from the organization’s side regarding what the responsibilities are and how the role is likely to grow
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Helping students fully understand what they’re signing up for by encouraging them to do their research and gain insights into the organization and industry
Wrapping Up
The placement process demands a blend of skills that students aren’t often taught in the classroom. This makes it more difficult for them to start their career on a strong footing. Harappa’s Placement Success Program is designed for placement-ready students who want transformative outcomes. It will not only help them create powerful and customized resumes but also go beyond it and leave a lasting impression on interviewers. Help your students get their dream job today!
Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as Must-Have Skills For Leadership, Skills to Develop as a Manager, What Is Business Acumen & Top Characteristics of a Project Manager that will help organizations tap into their employee’s potential.