Job seekers sometimes overlook the basic needs all employers seem to share. This oversight could indicate why one qualified candidate gets hired over another. Developing good chemistry and rapport can play a huge role in the hiring decision; but miscalculating the basic needs of a potential employer can create barriers.
What are the basic needs of an employer?
Employers’ needs usually center on two areas:
•Candidates who will add to their revenue stream and increase profitability, and
•Candidates who can reduce costs and save them money.
These sound simple enough, but job seekers can overlook the value of demonstrating their ability to show results in these areas.
When developing your resume, use these two areas as checkpoints in writing your accomplishments. Before listing your accomplishments, think about ways in which you saved money or increased profits for your previous employer, and the results you produced.
It is a myth you have to be in a revenue-generating position to save the employer money or increase profits. Some of the best cost savings come from the administrative staff. These workers might see savings in such things as reducing unneeded inventory or streamlining daily workflow processes to save labor costs. Another example would be maintaining excellent customer service, which is very profitable. Studies have shown returning customers are more valuable than constantly seeking new ones.
Keeping these basic needs in mind can help strengthen your cover letters, e-mail correspondence and interviewing activities. Creating awareness around these two areas adds to your ability to ask good questions. The more questions you ask about helping the employer solve specific problems the more likely you will be seen as a viable candidate one who can help them meet their goals.
