Employers Care About More Than Competence

{Click here to read the original article on The Wise Job Search.}

There have been multiple articles written in recent years about how younger job seekers too often act very poorly in the networking, interviewing, and hiring process.

There are ample stories of…

• Taking phone calls during an interview
• Speaking far too casually with the interviewer
• Texting during a meeting
• Presenting resumes full of typos and grammatical errors
• Dressing far too casually or inappropriately in other ways
• Having an attitude of assuming they will automatically get the job
• Little to no knowledge of the company or the position
• Chewing gum, or candy, or bringing in their own beverage

And some stories that show a complete lack of understanding of the hiring process, like bringing a pet or a parent to the interview.

In many cases, the individual got the networking meeting or the interview in the first place because they have had relevant training or experience. On paper, they seem to have the qualifications and a great degree of competence related to the job opening at hand.

And yet… they don’t get the job because other factors completely disqualify them!

While certain technical skills for a position are critical… employers don’t often hire the most technically qualified person. Rather, they hire the person that offers the best all-around package!

They are looking for someone that…

• Has at least a certain baseline of necessary skills
• Can represent the company and/or department competently and professionally to other around them
• Can communicate effectively and professionally
• Understands and can demonstrate appropriateness in a variety of situations
• Understands the objectives of the company and will contribute

An employer is looking for someone that will be able to accomplish the required work and solve problems. They are not looking for someone to fill a slot for the benefit of that individual.

That perspective is often THE deciding factor between two ‘competent’ candidates. The person that takes the process seriously, shows appropriate respect and professionalism, and demonstrates a desire to contribute will get the job!

Simply because a resume shows someone has the most relevant experience, does not mean they will be the one selected. Employers care about more than competence!