Kathy, a Human Resources Manager with a telecommunications company, sent a memo to all her hiring managers defining the company’s ideal worker. ‘We need people who are productive, resourceful and able to do today’s job as well as develop into the worker we’ll need tomorrow to meet the quick changes this industry is demanding. As the hiring manager, you must evaluate past experience, learning ability, attitude, and productivity achievements and potential to seek out the best workforce possible.’
Hiring practices have undergone a significant change in the last two years. In the past, an employer would seek out an employee to ‘fill the job description,’ but the rapidly changing marketplace now requires companies to compete globally and to look for nimble employees that focus on maximizing productivity. Here are a couple significant changes to know about:
Desired worker traits Employers desire individuals with the ‘ideal worker persona’ -- quick learners, adaptable, flexible and willing to try and succeed at new tasks. They are highly productive and try to improve themselves, their job, department and company as standard operating procedure. They have superior computer skills -- essential for most of today’s better paying jobs. Many workers become complacent, disengaged, sidetracked, busy with their families, or distracted by serious personal problems. This can cause their careers to stagnate and hurt their future opportunities. Employers love employees who are flexible, adaptable and resourceful. This means finding solutions, making suggestions and solving problems, plus demonstrating a willingness to take on new projects, tasks or responsibilities. Be willing to become the worker the employer needs today, and develop into the person they’ll need to grow and prosper in the future.
Job security lies within the worker. As downsizing wreaked havoc on American workers over the last decade it taught all of us that company loyalty or guarantees of job security were not reality. True employment security lies in your ability to showcase your talents, skills, and measurable achievements. It is your past accomplishments and perceived potential that insure you’ll always be able to find a new job.
No company offers a permanent guarantee of work any more. Today, savvy workers always keep the door open, staying on the lookout to move to a better position. Keeping an updated resume on hand and building a good network are good ways to be apprised of potential opportunities, and enable you to more effectively manage your career.
Employers are paying more. It pays to move on. The drive for talented people who deliver results has forced employers to make better offers, with more perks and hiring bonuses. These offers, typically reserved for senior executives, have now trickled down to all levels. Do some research on current salary levels for your job to determine your outside value.
People want to work in a job they love. Passion gives us a purpose and ignites our interest to continue to learn. And learning is the key. Being a lifelong learner, where you improve your skills as well as diversify them, is critical to lifetime success and employment. Enthusiasm, productivity and performance typically are highest when you work at a job you enjoy. Personal job satisfaction is the No. 1 reason why people elect to switch jobs.
Excerpted from 'What to Do with the Rest of Your Life' by Robin Ryan.
Robin Ryan has appeared on the Dr. Phil Show, Oprah, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, CNN, CNBC and is considered America’s top career coach. She is the best-selling author of: "60 Seconds & You're Hired!;" "Winning Resumes;" "Winning Cover Letters" and "What to Do with the Rest of Your Life." She's the creator of the highly acclaimed audio training program Interview Advantage and The DreamMaker. To purchase her books and audio training programs go to http://www.robinryan.com. To contact Robin, e-mail
RobinRyan@aol.com or call 425-226-0414.
Copyright 2005 Robin Ryan.
