Impressive Job Candidate Qualities

I believe it is critical that RTs and RT students pick up interview skills. With that in mind, I try to pass along interviewing tips when I see them.

The following was taken from the MSN website on 3-3-2011 from an article by Rachel Farrell for CareerBuilder.com. The title of the article was: “The Wow Factor: Impressive Job Candidate Qualities.” I have condensed the article which features 12 qualities identified by hiring managers.

The information is probably best suited for candidates for professional positions – although students may also benefit from the comments of the hiring managers.

1. Results Candidates with experience should talk about the things they do best. As C. Daniel Crosby of Cosby Performance Consulting stated: “Talking about measurable outcomes separates the contenders from pretenders." CEO of CJP Communications, Jennifer Prosek, said: "Candidates that can tell me an anecdote about how they got something done, against all odds, really impress me the most. Those who understand the rules and conduct of business but are not afraid to push the envelope a bit in the name of a job well done."
2. Good fit Candidates should display the position provides a good fit for their skills and interests.
3. Preparation Candidates questions should display that they have done their research by knowing about who they are interviewing with and the agency.
4. Initiative Candidates should display that they can function independently with minimum supervision. Of course, student interns need supervision so they probably should indicate that they have initiative and can be creative in finding ways to get things done.
5. Sense of humor Displaying a sense of humor breaks the ice and produces a more relaxed atmosphere.
6. Passion Candidates need to show passion about the opportunity to be at the agency. Said Betty Gilmore, Program Director, Lift-The Bronx:"Passion is energy, drive, motivation and commitment. Candidates who are infused with this quality demonstrate an enthusiasm and aliveness that is contagious to their colleagues and clients." Jennifer Prosek, author "Army of Entrepreneurs" and CEO, CJP Communications commented on passion and resourcefulness. She said:"You can see right through robotic folks who 'say the right thing.' It's those who come specifically prepared to tell you exactly why the position is right for them that impress me the most. Very few folks lean across the desk and tell you 'I really want this job, and here is why.'"
7. Confidence “Humble confidence” is a quality that the candidate should project by showing “knowledge, humility, skilled verbal and written communication, friendliness and appreciation,” according to Stacey Hawley, principal and owner, Credo.
8. Professionalism Candidates need to project an image of professionalism by displaying dedication to the profession, enthusiasm and motivation for the position and by being good at listening to questions and answering them well. Said Emma K. Viglucci, founder and director of Metropolitan Marriage and Family Therapy, "Presentation, presence, energy -- how they carry their personal power. They need to be engaging and personable."
9. Body language "The hand shake: it has got to be strong and firm from the get-go," according to Muriel Alloune, recruitment and training specialist, Federation CJA. Marissa Wright of Europe for International Studies Abroad, added: "Body language, including a good handshake, confident shoulders, a smile [and] eye contact. I know it's cliché, but it really helps."
10. Longevity Candidates need to display that they have long-term stability.
11. Communication Some good advice came from Dana Leavy, career coach and founder of Aspyre Solutions. She stated: "You need to be a creative, proactive problem solver. Hiring managers want to know how you (and only you) can solve the needs of their organization. Read between the job description lines. What are you bringing to the table that the next person with a similar background is not? If you educate yourself and build awareness around what keeps your next potential boss up at night, and you clearly communicate how you can help to solve that, chances are you've got their attention."
12. Attitude From Carol Quinn, the author of "Expert of Hiring High Performers" comes this:"The most impressive quality is to be a 'high performer,' a package of the right attitude, a passion for doing the work and the skill. 'Attitude' may mean different things to different people, but it boils down to having an 'I can' attitude. Everyone thinks his or her attitude is fine, however, some of these same people think it's OK to blame, make excuses and declare something cannot be done. That's the attitude employers are looking to expose during the interview and avoid extending a job offer to."