Overview

Before applying to any job, regardless of what field you are interested in pursuing, it is important to understand what employers are searching for in their candidates. Beyond the technical skills and education, potential employees must have the traits that define themselves as reliable and motivated individuals in the workplace.

Basic Qualifications

Every job has certain non-negotiables that hiring managers first check when reviewing applicants, whether it is the required education, certifications, licenses, or technical skills necessary to maintain to effectively and actively perform their duties.

For example, jobs may require a high school diploma, fluency in a specific digital software like Excel, or a valid driver’s license. If positions explicitly state that employees are fluent in various languages, are comfortable with using a forklift, or have an understanding of medical terminology, these serve as essential baseline expectations.

Tip: Get into the habit of reading job descriptions thoroughly. If you meet the listed baseline qualifications, you should make sure that they are clearly visible in your resume, ideally at the top. Using the same keywords from the posting significantly boosts your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan resumes for relevance and show that you are a qualified individual.

Soft Skills

While meeting the required qualifications gets your foot in the door, soft skills are often the indicator determining whether one is suitable for the team. Employers highly value how you communicate, interact, and handle situations on the job, especially in fast-paced, team-based, and high-stress scenarios.

Important soft skills include:

  • Communication: Being able to listen to others carefully, speak clearly, and express ideas professionally.

  • Teamwork: Collaborating with coworkers and management respectfully, even when under stress.

  • Adaptability: Adjusting quickly to change within your environment and remaining flexible when situations become uncertain.

  • Problem-solving: Critically thinking and staying calm under pressure when challenges arise.

Tip: Soft skills are best demonstrated through real-life examples. Resumes and interviews are opportunities to share personal experiences where you used soft skills to achieve a goal, resolve a conflict, or support your team.

Work Ethic

Employers want people who are dependable, motivated, and responsible in the workplace. Having a strong work ethic means that you take pride in actively doing your job well, even when nobody is watching. It includes the act of being punctual, meeting deadlines, and staying focused through your entire shift.

For example, a strong work ethic includes consistently arriving on time, completing tasks without being reminded, and offering to help coworkers when you finish early, as employers want their team members to be people they can count on.

Tip: Show your work ethic before you are hired by submitting a clean, complete application, responding promptly to emails and calls, and arriving early to interviews. These small but noticeable actions build trust and create a strong first impression as a candidate.

Willingness to Learn

Even if you do not meet every single requirement, employers may hire candidates who show that they have strong potential and a desire to learn.

A willingness to learn shows that you are adaptable and ready to grow with the company. It can include showing an interest in self-improvement by seeking mentorship, asking questions, or enrolling in free trainings or courses to improve your skills.

Tip: In your resume/interview, highlighting times when you took the initiative to learn something new — such as volunteering to take on new tasks, cross-training in other departments, or attending workshops and seminars to expand your knowledge — can express your willingness to learn and make you more appealing as a potential employee.

Cultural Fit

Another factor to consider as an employer is how an employee’s personality, values, and working style align with the organization’s mission and environment. They are not just hiring the skills an individual has; they are hiring a person that they and their team will be working with every day.

A fast-paced tech startup might value innovation, independence, and risk-taking, while a nonprofit organization might prioritize teamwork, compassion, and community service. It is important to understand the culture of a company, as it will help you, as somebody who is searching for a job, decide whether or not it is the right place for you.

Tip: Research the organization’s website, social media, and mission statement before your interview and use what you learn to show how your values and approach align with theirs.