Employability Skills | Key to an Easy Employment

With a competitive market such as today all around the globe, it is necessary to stay sharp and on the edge at all times. Remaining one step ahead is crucial for people who are looking for work in these harsh times. With an employment rate as unstable as a see-saw, your resume and cover letter can make a difference between you and other candidates even before an interview.

A resume is an outline of your achievements. Most employers look for standout resumes and cover letter that convey the education and skills of the applicant efficiently. Within these skills are some of the most important employability skills that make an applicant a standout amongst others. Also known as soft skills, interpersonal skills can make a difference if you are as qualified as the other candidate. These skills include communication, teamwork and other social skills that are compulsory to fit in the workplace and work with other employees with ease.

Along with an outstanding resume, it is necessary to provide a cover letter that outlines the best of your qualities. For this, a list of skills is necessary that you want to highlight based on the job requirement. If the cover letter fails to make an impact, it is highly improbable that you will get a call back. A cover letter and a resume are a package that goes hand in hand; one is incomplete without the other and it is a requisite to a successful job application. 

Top 10 Interview Questions and Answers

Review the top 10 interview questions and answers most likely be asked at a job interview, plus the best answers. Also, review the other questions you may be asked, so you're prepared to ace the interview.

1. What is your greatest strength? -

This is one of the questions that employers almost always ask. When you are asked about your greatest strengths, it's important to discuss the attributes that will qualify you for the specific job and set you apart from the other candidates.

2. What is your greatest weakness? - 
Another typical question interviewers will ask is about about your weaknesses. Do your best to frame your answers around positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee.

3. Tell me about yourself. -
Here’s how to answer questions about you without giving out too much – or too little – personal information. Start by sharing some of your personal interests which don't relate directly to work.

4. Why should we hire you? -
Are you the best candidate for the job? Be prepared to say why.  Make your response a concise sales pitch that explains what you have to offer the employer, and why you should get the job.

5. What are your salary expectations? -
What are you looking for in terms of salary?

It seems like a simple question, but your answer can knock you out of content for the job if you overprice yourself. Here's the best way to answer questions about salary.

6. Why are you leaving or have left your job? - 
When asked about why you are moving on, stick with the facts, be direct and focus your interview answer on the future, especially if your leaving wasn't under the best of circumstances.

7. Why do you want this job? - 
This question gives you an opportunity to show the interviewer what you know about the job and the company. Be specific about what makes you a good fit for this role, and mention aspects of the company and position that appeal to you.

8. How do you handle stress and pressure? -
What do you do when things don’t go smoothly at work? The best way to respond to this question is to give an example of how you have handled stress in a previous job.

9. Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it. -
The interviewer wants to know what you do when you face a difficult decision. As with the question about stress, be prepared to share an example of what you did in a tough situation.

10. What are your goals for the future? -
This question is designed to find out if you’re going to stick around or move on as soon as you find a better opportunity. Keep your answer focused on the job and the company you’re interviewing with.