There is a saying that goes, “you may forget what people do, you may forget what people say, but you never forget how people make you feel.” You could have the best references and most sparkling CV, an impressive work history and an education to brag about, but at the end of the day, if employers just don’t “click” with you on an emotional level, your chances at employment are compromised.
Making a lasting impression on an employer is about standing out from the crowd, making that deeper connection and making sure you remain in their memories. Here’s how.
Be authentic
An employer will want to qualify you: are you trustworthy? Are you everything you say you are? Even the faintest whiff of insincerity will tell your employer that you likely put on a mask when it matters, but ultimately they’re not sure who you really are. Be genuine and make sure that first and foremost, you come across as a human being, not just a collection of skills and experience.
Be passionate
For most jobs, part of the skillset is a specific personality type, a person who will fit into the work culture and actually enjoy what they’re doing. Employees don’t want someone who’s merely in it for the money when they could instead get someone who does the job because they actually like it. Make sure you actively tell your employee why you want to work with them – what excites you about the job?
Be self-directed
The whole point of hiring someone else to do a job is that you don’t have to do it yourself. An employer will get irritated quickly if they have to monitor you constantly, keep giving you instructions or hold your hand throughout. Show them that you can take initiative by solving a problem of theirs before they even ask you to.
Do more
Related to the previous point, employers want someone who’s going to perform well, not be constantly looking at the clock, trying to figure out the least amount of work they can get away with. Let your employer know what your dreams are for the future, go above and beyond, complete tasks before deadlines and be forthcoming with new ideas and suggestions.
Have dignity
Even the most go-getter employees can find it difficult to put their foot down sometimes. Having self esteem and knowing your value as an employee may cause a bit of temporary friction at times, but ultimately, employers respect those who have standards for themselves. Show that you’re not a total slave to the job, that you have other interests and that you will not compromise your work when it comes to quality, payment or ethics. This establishes you as a person of substance and not some faceless employee.
