These days, there's more to getting hired than having the qualifications. As it turns out, employers look for personal qualities and other characteristics to determine whether or not you are a good fit. This is important to keep in mind as you interview. Be sure to bring, not just your experience, but also your personality, growth mindset and social skills.
I asked Mastercard Chief Human Resources Officer Michael Fraccaro to name the things employers look for in a potential hire. Take note from what Fraccaro says makes an ideal candidate:
Skills and culture fit
"We’re looking for people who can demonstrate the skills needed for the job they’re applying for – but, equally, if not more important, people whose motivation and attitude fit with our culture. Candidates should definitely look into those aspects of the company beforehand. Just as you might check Yelp before trying a new restaurant, research the kind of work environment and culture you’re applying to. You can use resources like Glassdoor, Fishbowl, YouTube and other social sites to get an idea of what a company is like from the inside."
Personality
"In the interview process, candidates who demonstrate grit, curiosity, optimism, a global mindset and a knack for problem-solving tend to make a positive impression. We also value people who are at good at building relationships and have a healthy outlook about work-life balance. Being able to speak simply is also important. We deal in a very technical space, but we need to be able to translate what we do so people of all backgrounds can understand. Sharing stories and giving relatable examples are two good ways to make a complex subject simple and engaging. This shows that you know your content, but that you’re also able to help people connect with a topic they may not be familiar with. This is a kind of leadership that people at all levels of an organization can demonstrate."
Your agility
"Remember also that how you get things done is just as important as what you’ve done. Employers today take into account how you operate and make decisions in addition to what you’ve delivered. In this fast-paced, increasingly unpredictable world, we’re sometimes faced with new or never-before-seen circumstances. In those instances, it’s important for a company to be confident in the personal qualities – integrity, fairness, decency – that will guide an employee’s responses in situations that can’t be known in advance. They want to be confident that the choices you’ll make will be in line with the company’s values. Personal principles and intention matter. Be prepared to reflect those in your responses during an interview."
Overall, Fraccaro's best advice to job candidates? "Be yourself and ask good, thoughtful questions. At Mastercard, as in probably most places, we want people who will bring their hearts and minds and authentic selves to work.”