Achieving Zen in the Workplace
Achieving success in the workplace more often than not has to do with one’s ability to live up to the bosses’ expectations. Each employer is a distinct individual, valuing different traits in their employees. Whereas one may think highly of staff members who question set ways of handling different office place issues in a constant search for efficiency, other’s prefer a strict adherence to guidelines.
Prior to actually recruiting and then working with the individual it can seem impossible to gauge the qualities they favor in staff members. This can make resume writing and pre-employment background checks and interviews more nerve-racking than necessary.
Although it is impossible to know for sure ahead of time what each employer prefers, a little research can actually give the upper hand. Reading up on the company one is applying for has many advantages. For starters, it makes an applicant seem more prepared and informed, but it can also give insight into what kind of workers are valued by the company. If articles written about the company uses words such as “innovative” and “progressive,” then the employer will likely value independent thought. Companies that are described as “non-traditional” or “creative” usually expect the same out of employees. On the other had, workplaces that are considered “conventional” or “traditional” are more likely to expect a more conservative attitude and have a set way of doing things.
Surveys show that there are a set of traits that most employers do commonly value. Aside from expecting certain basic skills learned in an educational environment, companies want employees with good written and verbal communication skills. Those who are able to both give and take directions are also valued as are those who are able to work independently, without instruction, and in a group. Being detailed orientated without ignoring the larger picture is also smiled upon. Above all, employers tend to want to hire individuals who have a sense of personal responsibility and a desire to succeed.
The secret to finding happiness in the workplace is finding an atmosphere that utilizes personal skills and appreciates one’s talents. Because of this, it is not recommended that one be dishonest about their character traits. Although this may get the individual through the interview and into the cubicle, this won’t make the day to day grind any easier. It will also leave employer’s wondering where the person they hired went. It’s always better to either cultivate the skills that companies are searching for or focusing on one’s strong points rather than deluding one’s self and hiring managers by pretending to have a set of skills that simply isn’t there.
Tags: Recruiting, Workplace