Recognize Employer Expectations

4 Parts:

Common Employer Expectations

Tips, Tricks & Warnings

Questions and Answers

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In a job market as competitive as the one we face today, understanding and meeting your employer's expectations is a key to success in any role or industry. Specific job-related skills and experience play a role in your chances of landing the job you're applying for. It's also common for employers and recruitment specialists to consider an otherwise under-qualified applicant who shows a number of sought-after qualities and a general aptitude to learn and grow. Whether you're currently in the job market, or you already have a job and you want to perform your best, these tips may help you to understand, meet and exceed the common expectations of an employer.

Finding and performing well in a role is not all about meeting the bare requirements of the job. Below are some of the most sought-after skills, traits and ethics that employers seek from applicants and employees.

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   Goals

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   Setting and working towards goals, both short term and long term, will show an employer that you have a strong focus and are committed to your role and your career. Don't be afraid to tell your employer if your goal is to be in a position like them. Showing that you're motivated by setting goals not only speaks well of the work that you will do, it will also help you reach your targets more easily.

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2. 2
   A positive personality

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   This trait can show an employer that you can make the best out of difficult situations. It's also an important indicator that you can work well in a team.

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3. 3
   Appropriate technical skills

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   While attitude and other traits will go a long way toward securing a job, they can't completely make up for ineptitude in the basic functions of a given role. Don't apply for jobs that are too far out of your comfort zone or outside of your skill set. There's a difference between under-qualified and not qualified at all.

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4. 4
   Leadership

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   Employers will be impressed by people who can demonstrate leadership qualities such as the ability to influence people and stand out within a team. You'll also need to show that you're resourceful, creative and willing to take initiative.

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5. 5
   Work Ethic and Professionalism

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   Showing you have a strong work ethic goes a long way. Employees need to be ready to perform at their best, going above and beyond their role when the need arises. Employers aren't looking for someone who watches the clock from paycheck to paycheck. Work ethic also involves your maturity and enthusiasm, showing that you can work unsupervised and with initiative can go a long way in impressing your employer or prospective employer. Employees should also maintain professionalism in their appearance and the way in which they communicate and deliver requirements.

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6. 6
   Appearance

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   Dress appropriately for the interview and when you're performing your job. Having a tidy appearance is more than about looking your best. An employer will recognize someone who doesn't take care in their appearance as a warning sign that their work ethic and professionalism is lacking.

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7. 7
   Communication skills

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   This is a key to all but a few industries. You need to be able to show that you can effectively communicate ideas, instructions and even feedback or criticisms. A well thought out application letter and the way you 'sell' yourself in the interview will speak volumes about your communication skills. You should avoid colloquialisms and follow professional etiquette like waiting to speak, avoiding confrontation or contradictions of the interviewer and avoiding rambling. Organize your thoughts, and speak clearly and confidently.

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8. 8
   Academic record

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   Your academic record shows an employer what skills you already bring to a job. More importantly, it demonstrates your focus and drive, as well as your work ethic. Poor grades can be a warning sign for employers who are looking for motivated individuals.

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9. 9
   Dependability

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   Employers want to hire people that they can count on to show up when you're scheduled. If you're missing work regularly, you won't be as productive. If you have an excellent attendance record, make this known to your potential employer. Part of dependability is also finishing what you start and doing what you say you'll do.

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10. 10
    Be willing to learn

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    This is very important since you'll need to take part in training or learn the ropes of a new position rather quickly. Willingness to learn is something employers look for in a candidate.

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Specific Expectations In The Workplace

Once you have a job, employers have more specific expectations, and it's often the little things that employees forget or neglect. Be sure to adhere to the below tips to make the best impression on your employer and grow in your role at the workplace.

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   Be open minded and flexible in the work place

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   Many companies today employ people specifically for change management. You don't have to agree to every change in process or idea that is brought to you but analyze individual examples on their own merit. Resistance to change is a major reason why employees and organizations fail to perform and grow.

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2. 2
   Obey policy and procedure

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   This is never open to debate and employers will expect this at all times. Every company has different rules, but some of the basics like meeting your expected working hours, performing tasks to deadline and meeting targets or quotas are some of the most important. Also take note of policies like the processes to follow when you are sick, unable to show for work or are late. Adhering to these shows your professionalism in unexpected situations but it also helps your colleagues and employer manage workload in your absence.

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3. 3
   It's not mandatory to stay late every day, but arriving early is a common courtesy

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   In some jobs leaving right at the end of your shift is encouraged, but if you're performing a role where the work is dynamic, make sure that you have finished any urgent tasks before heading home for the day. If you want to make an even better impression on your employer, make sure you're aware if there's work that your team or business unit is behind on, and offer to take on additional tasks from time to time. This shows your employer you are willing to go the extra mile and can see the 'bigger picture' outside of your specific role.

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4. 4
   Be self-motivated

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   Taking the lead and anticipating work that needs done is something most employers look favorably upon. Being on top of projects ahead of schedule without the need for a lot of direction can save management's time, so you'll earn more points if the opportunity for advancement arises.

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5. 5
   Pay attention to details

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   Attention to detail is a common expectation among employers, but it's not to be overlooked. The ability to pick up on details and spot errors, listen carefully to the requirements of a project and follow all of the proper procedures is something you should always strive to do at the workplace.

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6. 6
   Don't be afraid to ask questions

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   There's nothing wrong with asking thoughtful questions to find out more about project details or requirements, as long as you're paying attention and listening well when you're given the answer. This shows that you're invested in doing a great job.

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• Employers and recruitment staff love to have examples of situations where you applied a certain skill or aptitude. Be sure to think about examples like times were you went the extra mile to meet a target or deadline, or examples of how you resolved an interpersonal conflict in the workplace or similar environment.
• Employers sometimes like to know about your interests outside of the classroom or workplace. Give them an insight without taking up the whole interview to do so. It's a good idea to refrain from saying anything that could show a conflict of interest or priority over the job you're applying for.
• Make the first impression count. Your appearance, punctuality and opening five minutes of an interview will make a lasting impact on your prospective employer. Be professional and courteous, and answer questions with confidence. You only get one chance during an interview so make it count.

How can I meet my employer's expectations of reliability, excellent appearance, and proper business manners?

There are a lot of personality development books that you may want to read. Companies also have their own sets of rules, regulations, policies and codes of ethics. When you are given the fine print, take time to read it. This will give you an idea of what your employer expects from you.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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