Swap sides for a moment and see what people looking to hire want these days. While different jobs require differing skills and talents, there are some things all employers look for in prospective employees. Check out our examples:

Debra Zimmerman, Executive Director
Women Make Movies

The main things I look for in candidates are:

1. A sense of humour.
2. Imagination.
3. Writing skills.
4. Knowledge of what a business letter should look like (which is different from 'writing skills').
5. Eye contact.

Liza Josephson, Executive Director
Children's Hope Foundation

I ask candidates to send me a list of references with their CVs and I call referees before the interview. Previous employers have years of day-to-day experience with the candidates, and can tell me a lot more about their work experience and professionalism than I can learn in an interview. This process narrows down the field a great deal. It also gives me an idea of the areas to explore with candidates in whom I am interested.

When I am interviewing, I really go back to basics.

1. Being on time is critical.
If you can't manage to be on time for an interview, you will be unable to be on time for work and meetings, and that will reflect badly on the organisation. On those rare occasions when there is a real reason for being late, be appropriately apologetic, and telephone as soon as you possibly can to let me know you will be late.
2. Be prepared.
You should have read the job description thoroughly and used your initiative to find out something about my organisation.

3. Make sure you have several questions prepared for the interviewer.
It is hard to appear interested if you can't come up with a single question. Questions that refer to specific things in our company literature are impressive and demonstrate that you have done your homework.
4. Be warm, friendly and direct, but behave appropriately.
Your interviewer doesn't want to hear about your latest boyfriend. If you cross that line even the most laid-back interviewer might end up deciding that your personal life will interfere with your work.
5. Many employers are not good interviewers.
We ask simple questions, such as, 'Do you have experience in doing X, Y or Z?' Take the initiative to make it a good interview. Don't just say yes. Give examples of times when you've had to do that particular task and why you were successful or made an impact. If the answer is no tell the interviewer about a any related skills or experience that you do have, or talk about how you will take the initiative and responsibility for gaining that experience or skill because you are really interested in this job.

Ann Rhoades, Human Resources
Doubletree Hotels

1. I call at least two former colleagues not given as references for all executive candidates.You wouldn't believe what they tell you.
2. I look for a 'whatever-it-takes' attitude. In other words: good teamwork, flexibility and not being overly concerned about ‘the way things have always been done.’

Bill Byham, Human Resources Consultant
Development Dimensions International

I like to ask questions that result in candidates revealing their real character traits and the experiences they have had, rather than their hopes and dreams. I really want to find out what candidates have done in the past, not what they say they would do in the future.