6.  Results-oriented

It is a good thing to be able to put into writing specific action plans that would lead to the achievement of company goals – but implementing these and being able to deliver without excuses is another story. 

One may be capable of coming up with the best plan, may it be in whatever terms, but if one fails to get the final results needed to say that the project was a success – overall the whole effort is still a failure. 

While the efforts may be worthy of praise, the fact remains that the objective and the end goal has not been met.  In extreme cases, this may be costly to the organization and perhaps could mean a loss of business. 

It is thus crucial that employers are able to find employees who can deliver – no matter what.  Reasonable excuses are acceptable – but positive results are best. 

As between hiring someone who works hard – even religiously at that, as compared to someone who puts little effort but gets the results, would mean a hire for the latter.  After all, it is not the efforts that are measured, but the results.  Because in the end, what makes money for the organization is the final product, and not the activities or efforts behind it.     

5.  Management Skills

If one has the potential to ability manage a group of people, then he can be eventually considered and promoted to handle higher positions.  Management skills can be studied and learned. 

It can even be practiced until one becomes comfortable with it – as can be seen on situations where a good worker is promoted to a management level position.  While the good worker may not be prepared for the job, the challenge can be faced head on.  And if you are a job applicant and has the guts to take on such responsibility, the right opportunity may just pop up for you to answer.  One needs to understand that if given the chance, don’t be afraid to grab it and put your management skills to the test.

One can find good books to read on management and leadership.  One may also find free useful resources over the Internet for this purpose.

You may also consider finding a mentor who can guide you through.  Find one who is experienced enough to know the ropes of the profession, and get under his wing to learn from him.  You can refer to him on management issues that trouble you.  In this way, you will find someone to guide you and re-assure you of your decision-making.  But one must not become to overly dependent on this other person, and sooner or later – you must know how to stand on your own and have your own independent decisions. 

4.  Systems-oriented

One who is systems-oriented carefully studies the business processes involved in his particular area.  He learns it religiously and refers to it to guide his decision-making and his coordination efforts with other departments. 

As one is well learned on his area, he also starts to study those higher business processes outside his department that affects him indirectly.  In no time, he will be able to make appropriate decisions not only for his department but those involved in a higher scale. 

Being systems-oriented would also mean that one will find ways to do things better.  Continuous improvement becomes his drive – as improvements on the existing systems or business processes would mean convenience and ease of carrying out tasks in one’s department. This would also lead to being able to increase the chances of meeting the departmental and organizational goals.

3.  Computer Literate

Computer skills are a necessity nowadays.  These include basic knowledge on operating system use - and having some networking basics would be a plus. 

Business solutions are pretty much dependent on software application to make the job of monitoring important business data more efficient and easier.  Knowledge on these will help out applicants in getting the job they want. 

In a manufacturing setting for example, if one is familiar with JDE or Oracle software for monitoring inventories and is able to effectively navigate his way through the various menus and transactions involve in the software – he will most likely land the position that requires such software use. 

Knowledge on Microsoft Office applications as Word,  Excel, Powerpoint, Frontpage, etc.  will be an added advantage to you.  Especially if you have expertise, say in Microsoft Excel – which is powerful enough for some database use and data calculation needs – will be another plus factor for you.

2.  Problem Solving Skills

In the course of one’s work, there will surely be problems along the way.  Whether it be one that involves, products, services, inter-department coordination, external customers and with peers – issues and problems will arise. 

And if you are one who is capable to meet with the necessary personnel and able to come up with agreed upon solutions effectively, then you become one valuable individual in the organization.  Being a part of the solution, rather than adding to the problem will benefit the whole organization.