Hot tip -- by Richard Young

Companies look for specific characteristics in the people they decide to hire. Education, contrary to popular belief, is not necessarily the most important qualification. Below is a list of characteristics ranked from most to least important. Notice the lower position of job experience, academic major and GPA. To maximize your opportunities for success, you should be flaunting the skills and attributes you identify as yours.

Employers look for the following in perspective job candidates:

• Able to take responsibility
• Work to the best of your capability
• Aptitude to take initiative
• Able to inspire or motivate others
• Able to work well in stressful situations
• Self-disciplined
• The desire to succeed
• Work well in a team environment
• Confident in yourself
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to adapt easily to new situations
• Able to communicate ideas clearly
• Truly interested in the job
• Effective organizational and planning skills
• Positive leadership skills
• Past job-related experiences
• The desire for advancement
• Academic major
• Defined career goals
• A high GPA
• Proficient in different applications of several computer programs
• Involved in community activities
• Unrelated work or volunteer experience
• Hobbies or outside interests
• Intention to return to school to obtain an advanced degree

Pritchard, Contstance J., "Small Employers" in Job Choices: 1995 38th edition, p. 58.

(Richard Young is a career counsellor at the City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre.)