06.07.2023
SUCCESS TECHNIQUES: THE QUALITY THAT WILL MAKE FINDING A JOB EASIER
Those entering the job market today or seeking promotion within the company they work for must possess one crucial quality - adaptability.
In TopResume's new report, What Turns Employers On—and Off—About Job Candidates, adaptability tops the list of 21 traits that hiring managers look for in job candidates.
This quality has not always been in such demand, as before the pandemic, adaptability was not even on the list. Today, however, it is key to the success of any job seeker. The reason for this change is that adaptability demonstrates that you will be able to thrive in today's chaotic business environment.
How can you demonstrate this desirable quality in your job search? Amanda Augustine, TopResume's career expert, shares a few ways:
Show that you can find creative solutions
The first thing you need to do when you appear for a job interview is to show that you can find creative solutions to problems. Don't say, "I'm adaptable," but demonstrate it by "showing how you've implemented creative solutions," advises Augustine. Give specific examples of ways you have successfully dealt with challenges.
Present a story about how you faced a problem, such as a budget constraint or a software problem, and how you overcame it by applying a new approach.
Be specific. Show how and when you came to your conclusions, how you applied them, and what quantifiable results you got from your creative decision.
Be open to new ideas
Show that you are not fixed in your thinking, but open to new ideas.
"This flexibility can mean working really well in a team and recognizing that someone else's idea is better than yours, and then giving it up in favor of the bigger goals," Augustine explains.
Job seekers should prepare at least one story that shows how they went from believing they had the best idea to listening and discovering there was a better approach they were willing to take.
Show flexibility with customers
Assuming you're applying for a job that involves face-to-face contact with clients, take the interview as an opportunity to share instances where you've demonstrated flexibility in dealing with clients.
"Show that when you presented an idea to a client and they rejected it, you were able to maintain balance and offer an alternative solution," Augustine says.
"Demonstrate how you still met the client's needs and engaged them, even if your first idea wasn't successful," she adds.
This story will impress any manager looking for a candidate who can handle the whims and ever-changing expectations of customers.
Be resourceful in achieving goals
Regardless of the position you hold, you can talk about your ability to achieve goals even when the financial or human resources you have been given are reduced.
Augustine gives the following example: “Suppose you are a manager. Your team has shrunk after your company laid off some of your subordinates, but you're still expected to reach your goal. The plan you had is no longer working. Show what resourceful decisions you have made to achieve your primary goals, even when circumstances have changed.”
“This may mean showing that you have transferred resources from one project to another. It may mean that you have engaged people from different departments to help you. You want to show that you are very resourceful in your approach,” she adds.
Take on new responsibilities
Show your adaptability by giving examples of when you have taken on additional tasks to help with important tasks.
"Taking on different roles or trying out skills in an area outside of your job description will allow you to show adaptability," Augustine explains.
However, she adds, that doesn't mean letting people take advantage of you. “It gives you an opportunity to show your worth. This can lead to promotion as you take on new responsibilities,” Augustine said.
Stay up to date, learn new skills
When speaking with a hiring manager, be sure to mention that your skills and knowledge are up-to-date, especially in fast-moving fields like technology.
"Once a month, even if you're not looking for a job, check the types of jobs that would interest you and see what skills are in demand. If you find you have a gap, take a course to prepare you for the new market,” advises Augustine.
“You can start to fill that gap proactively. And you might even use this new knowledge to offer something to your current company. Demonstrate how you adapt to industry trends - this way you'll help both your current employer and yourself as you prepare for the next big position."
