8 values most employers look for

Whilst every industry is unique, there are certain core work values that are appreciated in most work environments.

Focus on cultivating the following eight values if you want to make your employer notice you. This is not an exhaustive list but horning some of these will make you stand out in the workplace and increase your chances of getting promoted.

1. Adaptability

The most valued employees are flexible, so you should demonstrate that you are willing to change your role, hours and approach to suit your employer, obviously within limits only known to you. This skill is essential, if you say that you actively enjoy the challenges of a dynamic work environment, you effectively communicate that you are attractively adaptable; it widens your horizon and opens you to career achievements and doors.

2. Integrity

Integrity is the foundation of confidence and trust; employers want to hire a loyal and consistent person they can trust. Showing integrity involves not only showing that you are committed to your job but also makes it apparent that you are an ethical person who can be trusted to represent your employers

3. Motivation

This one is a no brainer, motivated employees improve and organisations productivity and increases their competitive advantage, so why would employers want motivated employees. Motivation is made of several components, for instance, displaying a strong work ethnic, implying that you are keen to work hard without being pressured or asked. In addition, showing that you are interested in finding new ways to improve the service/product that you are providing.

4. Problem solving

Problem solving skills are an asset in most workplaces. Not dwelling on difficulties but immediately thinking of solutions to overcome problenms. Employers like to know that you will help them overcome problems and think outside the box

5. Responsibility

Responsible employees are steadfast, dependable and punctual. The most talented employee in the world is not a great recruit if they cannot be trusted to show up to work, honour agreements, stick to deadlines!

6. Interested in self-development

When an employer recruits you, its an investment for them. They invest in you and they want to know that you’re equally willing to invest in yourself and will work towards improving your performance. No matter how talented or highly qualified you are, make it clear that you are always interested in learning, developing new ways of working, skills and knowledge to keep up with evolving technologies.

7. Interpersonal skills

Every job requires dealing with people some of the times. If you are a pleasant, easy going person with good manners, then you will fit into most work environments. However, if you aspire to be in a leadership position, it’s important to indicate or demonstrate that you know how to get the best from people by challenging them effectively, without resorting to bullying

8. Efficiency

Employers/managers want people who can work quickly but effectively because it will save them huge amounts of money by raising productivity. This a trait that is extremely important in almost all lines of work. Being efficient means trying out new shortcuts or offering inventive solution that SAVE TIME.

Keeping these values in mind should help you make a better impression in your workplace. Job interview performance can also be dramatically increased by deliberately referencing each of the above values (at a suitable point in the interview).