We are in 2021. Applying for jobs in this era takes a lot more than just having a professional looking resume and fulfilling the job description. Knowing what employers are looking out for in their candidates will give the applications a better idea of how they can ‘sell’ themselves in the resume, cover letter and really, the entire job application process itself.

As a company that does frequent HR consulting to firms on recruitment, we are certain that candidates who are aware about what recruiters are looking out for, will help them align to the recruiter’s standards and nail that interview.

Here are some of areas that job seekers can look out for in their job hunting journey.

Technical and functional skills vs problem solving abilities

Especially in cases where the industry or the job function is relatively new such as blockchain or A.I.
employees, from time to time, will have to use their analysis skills rather than the hard-know-hows in order to handle their duties.

Many problems require a non-textbook approach, the more the applicant is able to show examples of solving impromptu issues on top of their specialised knowledge, the easier one can create an impression.

Communication

Regardless of the industry, communication skills are vital. Employees of the same company need to communicate with each other and their managers daily. They may also need to interact with customers/teams online through messages, speak through telephone, and/or in person.

Most jobs out there requires to work in a team, which is why it is not enough to just be able to do the individual job well. Exhibiting good communication skills clients and colleagues on different channels, mobile, emails, social media etc, helps.

And due to the pandemic, team members work from home so most communications are done virtually or remotely, hence strong communication skills are more critical than ever.

This is why having good communication skill will make a huge difference and possibly land you in a job

Titles & Degress vs Transferable Skills

In this new workforce where ideas, concepts and information are so readily available, things like titles & certification are not as important anymore. Don’t get it wrong that they have no value, but it is accurate to say that it is the skills you possess that is most valuable.

In our work of doing human resource consulting to companies with higher turn overs, we noticed that firms tend to pursue alternative solutions with employees who have such attributes

Which is why, right from the get go, hirers look out for people who possess transferable skills.

A capable hire can learn to do the tasks related to many jobs, but a valuable hire can teach and still maintain good collaboration with others.

Reporting in office vs responding virtually

Now that the pandemic has forced us to come to terms with how many jobs can still be done well remotely, which changes the norm from needing to report to an office on time between stipulated hours to needing to respond to requests from the comfort of home.

As virtual reality becomes the common place for interactions, recruiters are likely to use it for simulations to see how a candidate deals with an angry customer or solves a problem.

Showing that you are comfortable with virtual working with very little supervision will greatly impress the recruiter as well

ABOUT ENABLE CONSULTING

Established in 2013, enable Consulting is a specialised agency that provides HR consulting services for small businesses in Singapore.

By developing a rigorous hr management consulting framework,we believe in being the enabler for our clients to transform their businesses and having a strong and robust HR function is a key driver in any successful business. It is on this belief that we have built many successful partnerships with clients across different industries.

We are a people business and it is our talent pool that defines us. Each and every one of our consultants is highly professional with many years of experience in HR management consulting and services.

Our Consultants are PMC certified to further be able to help local SMEs improve and optimise their HR operational efficiency through Singapore Grants. enable is about offering affordable, high value adding solutions to improve business performance; while at the same time nurturing and inspiring a fair and respectful working environment. But above all, enable is about enabling you.

Contact us for a non-obligatory Q&A consultation today