The Edge for September 2019
We asked New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members to talk about the unique qualities they look for in job candidates. The answers included a willingness to learn, the ability to be persistent in a professional manner and the confidence to take the reins of a project and see it through. Read more below.
Look for a Student of the Industry
I’m looking for a job candidate with a willingness to learn, to become better at the job. They must be a student of the industry because learning never stops. They also need a willingness to get out of their comfort zone. The top thing that stops someone from accomplishing goals is fear – worrying about not being able to do something that they think they can’t do. A good candidate is eager to go for it, and to learn as much from their mistakes as they do from their accomplishments.
– Russell Burt, Special Projects Coordinator, AFLAC
They Must Be Persistent, Authentic
Someone who is persistent in a professional manner by getting out there and listening to people. I’m also seeking authenticity so when you promote the organization, you do it in a genuine way. And if you say you are going to follow-up, you better follow-up. Do what you say you are going to do.
– John Borgese, Director, Alumni Workplace Engagement, Rutgers University Foundation
Do They Possess the Confidence to Make Things Happen?
We look for people who can work on a team, accept feedback and who have the confidence to not only take on a project, but push it to make sure it comes to pass. We seek employees who are assertive and work hard to make things happen. We ask question like, What did you accomplish in your last job? How did you pursue it? How did you make it happen? How did you work as a team to make it happen?
– Orville Morales, Community Campaign Manager, The Public Good Projects
