In addition to Lucy McGrealy's speech, read the speech by Lucy McGreal or view the Questions and Answers posed to the Panel of Experts.

Today's Workplace and Employers Expectations

Delivered by Audie McCarthy

I'm sure everyone here, on some level and at some time, has wished for the magic formula that will win the hearts and minds of employers. What if I told you that I could grant your wish – that we could access this magic? What if we could harness its source – the seemingly intangible combination of personal and professional values and skills that will guarantee you the job and life of your dreams?

Sorry! I'm not a magician. And sadly there is no magic formula. But I do have good news – and the good news is that we can identify some of these "intangibles" to give you the power to create your own magic in the search for a better career.

So, while I can't wave a wand and make the people who are competing for the same job as you are turn into frogs, I can share some universal truths with you about what every employer seeks in an employee. This will allow you to tailor your employment communications (resumes, cover letters, interview skills etc.) to showcase your strengths, your magic, and how you will put it to work for your prospective employer.

When asked to speak to you on this subject, I decide immediately that I didn’t want the information that I am about to give you to be just my opinion. So I called upon the expertise of some of my friends, clients and colleagues, who are all local employers.

I asked them about the changes they have seen in the workplace over the past number of years, and what this means in terms of the values and skill sets they look for when hiring.

What is interesting about this process is that even though they are all from vastly different industries, their answers were truly universal in nature. Three skills came out.

1. Computer Skills - All employers look for candidates to be not only comfortable but proficient with computer technology.

2. Passion & a Positive Attitude - All employers want to see passion and a positive attitude towards the job and the company.

3. Capability - All employers want to know you can do the job they hire you for.

Let’s talk about TECHNOLOGY

We are all aware that technology has transformed our workplaces and that change has never been more rapid. Knowledge and tools that used to evolve over a 5–10-year span now happens in 2 months.

So what does that mean to you?

Employers expect you to embrace the fast paced change that comes with technology.

Developments in technology have enabled massive business change to take effect. New technology has facilitated greater connection with the outside world, and all at a faster pace. For all intents and purposes, this has made our world a much smaller place. Globalization has made work a 24-hour business.

So what does this mean to you?

Choose carefully. Make sure you understand the company you apply to. Are they a 24-hour operation? Do they expect you to be available 24/7? Do they expect you to carry a blackberry?

Fast paced, ever changing technology also means that we are replaceable. There is no 'long term' in today's working environment – this concept is dead. A job for life and gold watch on retirement are all but old-fashioned traditions of a bygone era.

Many of the HR specialists I spoke to said the reality today is that most of us will no longer have careers within one company but a series of jobs (in a series of companies and positions). This creates a job market that is both full of opportunity, and full of competition.

Let’s talk about the impact of technology on the way we work. Old forms of office work are leaving us. We are experiencing what is essentially an elimination of paper.

According to Don Davidson, manager of Records Hamilton Health Science, filing cabinets are becoming a thing of the past as more and more documents are scanned and stored digitally. Electronic networking makes information instantly accessible whether you are in the same office, district or country. With today's technology, there is virtually no difference.

I received an email recently from an Organizing Coach. Her topic was filing, her content was all about electronic filing.

So what does this mean to you?

Employers are looking for computer savvy prospects, and in many cases computer proficiency is an assumed proficiency.

If you are reentering the workforce, or don't have a lot of experience – don't be frightened of this new technology. Make an effort to learn it and embrace it for the benefits it can offer you. Ensure you are current with recent trends, as employers will hire based on the ability to be open to technology. Investigate how it can help you work smarter and more efficiently.

Technology, Recruitment and Digital Dirt

Technology also plays an ever-increasing role in the recruitment process. While Lucy will be talking in a few minutes about recruitment in today’s labour market it is important to mention it here as well.

Technology has had an incredible impact on how employers select employees. Think Workopolis – how many of you have posted your resume on an electronic site? You are pre screened based on key words. A “live” person doesn’t even see your resume until that has happened. It may seem, and it is, impersonal however most employers use electronic job banks to some degree so once again this points to how important it is for you to be comfortable with technology.

Another example? Many employers use personality-profiling tools that are usually computer based or at least computer analyzed. You may be asked to complete this on site during your interview and since you can’t bring your computer savvy 16 year old to the interview with you, you need to get comfortable being on line.

But not too comfortable! Be careful what you post on Facebook, MySpace etc. According to Brad Spencer, Executive Director of Path Employment Services here in Hamilton, the popularity of social networking sites, blogs, and online forums are on the rise. Recruiters and hiring managers are turning to Internet search engines to gain a more complete picture of job seekers.

Over one-third of employers have eliminated a candidate because of "digital dirt"—information about you online that is either unflattering or inconsistent with the image you would like to portray. Digital dirt could be preventing you from getting interviews and ultimately landing your ideal job.

What does this mean to you?

Conducting searches for your own name is something that should be done on a regular basis. Until you're aware of everything that's connected to your name online, it's impossible to try to overcome any potential employer objection.

If you don't have an online presence, start one! In fact the OPTIONS team can help you with that: (the Facebook group). Maintaining a blog, or even making positive comments about books you've read on Amazon can end up in your potential employers research into your background and may just become a great icebreaker that can really help to connect with potential employers on a more personal level.

So What Else Are Employers Looking For?

According to Barry Brownlow, Senior Partner, Brownlow Partners, apart from technology and the competitive landscape within which businesses now operate (globalization), what employers look for has not really changed.

Employers are people, too, and their businesses and/or jobs often depend on whom they hire. Since profit is the bottom line for business, employers must ask themselves, "Can this job applicant make or save money for my company?"

Ivan Buzzelli, Right Management Consultants, says the decision to hire one person instead of another often hinges on the answer to that question. Employers look for people who can have an impact on their bottom line and who can make a difference quickly.

So what about PASSION AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE?

Over and over again the employers I spoke with sited this as the #1 desirable characteristic of a prospective employee.

In my own company, The Marrek Group, we call this "Passionate Intensity" and it is one of our values. It means we infuse personal commitment, drive and compassion in everything we do. It is about loving what you do – if you don’t, it will show in your attitude and performance.

Employers need people who are passionate about their company, their industry, their product and their customers. Employers accept that they will not have employees for life anymore; however while they are there, they need to make the most of the relationship and this can only happen if there is passion and a belief in what you are doing.

Brad Spencer told me about one of the candidates he interviewed recently. This individual really impressed him because she expressed her desire to work with disabled people in the context of "being on fire" about the opportunity. If that isn’t a good description for passion I don’t know what is.

A positive attitude is also part and parcel of this component. Employers want employees who will make a positive difference to the company culture and you can’t do that if you are always complaining or looking at the glass as half empty.

I have always and will always hire for attitude – I can train to enhance skills.

What do Employers want in terms of Technical Skills and Education?

It depends on the size of the employer and the skill requirements of the job. Employers are looking for the most qualified candidate, but how that translates will depend on the nature of the job. One employer will be looking for people skilled in the trades; another will be looking for university education. What they will have in common is that they will all most likely look for an individual with the willingness and enthusiasm to learn and grow.

Specializing in an area of expertise is also desirable. Candidates having direct work experience are becoming more and more important. These candidates need far less training, which means the employer has more time to devote to day-to-day duties.

If you do not have and cannot get this expertise with your current job, I suggest you consider volunteering. Putting your skills, knowledge, talents, and experience to work for an organization. This gives you opportunity to exercise those skills, to feel that they are valuable and valued, and to test those skills in new ways. As a result, confidence and expertise will grow.

Employers often talk about transferable skills, that is, skills that you can “take with you” to any company. One of these skills is the ability to communicate.

Communications encompasses written, verbal and listening skills. Having the ability to demonstrate effective communications is critical in business. Whether you are dealing with your employer, co-workers, customers or the general public, being able to accurately understand and convey information is key.

Listening skills are especially important, as listening is the gateway to assessing needs and adapting solutions for clients and customers.

Other Skills Not To Be Overlooked

Problem solving. Employers look for people who can solve problems, who can think “out of the box” and recommend solutions whether internally or for customers.

Independence, aka the ability to work alone. Most business owners or bosses are overworked. They don’t want to nor do they have the time to hand hold.

Accountability –- employers often lean towards candidates they think will be most accountable for their actions. Employers expect you to be responsible for your own actions.

Dependability, punctuality and good work habits. There is no question that employers want employees who will arrive to work every day – on time, ready to work.

Being A Team Player! All jobs require some amount of teamwork whether this involves ongoing collaboration or a one time project; employers are always searching for people and personalities that can work well with others and within a team environment. Especially now with the economic situation as it is, employers are trying to do more with less people so someone who can pitch in and help others is an asset.

Flexibility – whether it is your flexibility to work different shifts or your ability to take on additional tasks, employers want to know you will be willing to go with the flow sometimes.

So now that you know what employers are looking for, how will you find the employers?

NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK!

When I was changing careers 8 years ago, I was told that the Hidden Market fills 80% of the jobs available – last year, I was at a seminar and discovered the statistic has up to 90%! The Hidden Job Market is all about those positions you never see posted on Workopolis or in the Hamilton Spectator. They are the jobs obtained through networking.

So what is networking? It is basically getting out and meeting people – like you are doing today. It is about connecting with others and building a relationship with them.

In my new book, "Networking Edge – Building Relationships for Success", I talk a lot about the power of building relationships based on common values. You want to connect with people and companies that have the same core values as you do.

Employers are more likely to hire people they know, like and trust. That is why you have to network. The person you meet may not have a job for you but he might know someone that does. Which is what referrals are all about.

I have hired all my current staff through networking and referrals, and I will continue to use this method.

As an employer, it gives me an opportunity to assess someone without them even knowing I am assessing them. It gives me an opportunity to see if they do what they said they would do, i.e. if they commit to following up with me and don't, they will most likely not do as they say they will on the job.

The key to successful networking is follow up. If you don’t follow up you might as well have not networked in the first place.

When you arrived this morning you were given a sealed envelope. In that envelope you have 5 blank business cards. I challenge you to take advantage of the fact that you are here today with over a hundred other people. I ask you to find just 5 of them throughout the rest of the day. Write their contact information on the blank cards and make a commitment to follow up with them. Who knows, they may know someone who has a job for you – or you may know someone who has a job for them.

Thank you.