We all know that it is important to meet the job requirements, but most employers are looking for employees that go above and beyond expectations. Let’s take a look at the top five traits that make you irresistible to employers.

Reliability

All employers are looking for an employee who can produce strong work. However, this means nothing if you are not reliable. Knowing that an employee means what they say is very important. Emergencies do come up, but try not to make a habit of showing up late or missing deadlines. Showing your prospective employer that you are reliable, perhaps by having him speak to your previous employer, will help them to feel comfortable giving you responsibility.

Examples to Back up Concrete Skills

Saying you have strong communication skills or a strong work ethic means nothing to a prospective employer unless you have example to back them up. Use specific examples on your resume and in an interview whenever possible. Try to use examples that show skills that can be measured, for example, that you increased sales by a certain dollar amount or that you increased productivity by a certain percentage. This shows the perspective employer that you really possess these skills and can use them to benefit the company.

In-Depth Company Knowledge

A prospective employer will always be impressed by a candidate who has an in-depth knowledge of the company they are applying to. This shows that you have strong research skills and are truly dedicated to getting the position you applied for. This will also help you to stand out from other candidates who may have done lighter amounts of research. When looking for information about a company, search for financial reports and press releases, as these often have fairly in-depth knowledge. Other good information to know includes the company’s motto, philosophy, and management. It would also be helpful to learn topical information about the company’s competitors, as well as information about what makes the company you are applying to unique and able to stand out from the competition.

Passion

A passionate candidate shows excitement and interest about the job they are applying for; they may ask why the position they are applying to is vacant, who they will be working with and what the company’s promotion policy is. An employer will be excited to work with an individual who shows passion because they know that this person will go above and beyond the call of duty. A passionate individual will be an asset to the company, as well as a good colleague to work alongside. Show your potential employer that you are excited about this position by showing that you have researched the company and the position, and explain why you feel you are the right person for the job.

Calmness

Prospective employers want an individual who can keep their calm during stressful or problematic times and can focus on solving the problem at hand. This is a more productive way to work, but also keeps the office dynamic strong. An individual who works well with others is more appealing than a prospective employee who may come off as abrasive. Employers look for an employee who is not distracted easily and remains productive even during stressful times. Show that you possess this skill by discussing a time you encountered a problem and how you went about solving this.