Are you an “Attractive” EDI Candidate?

As the age old saying goes … “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”… In this case, the beholder is always the client, and your beauty/attractiveness to that client is the key to landing a new position. Let’s take a quick look at the definition of the word “attractive”.

at●trac●tive adjective

1. : having or relating to the power to attract
2. a : arousing interest or engaging one’s thought
   b : appealing, charming
   c : drawing attention
3. : having a pleasing appearance
4. : having a feature or quality that people like

While most of the above explanations refer to physical attractiveness, I want to focus on the last definition of “having a feature or quality that people like”. In the case of most hiring managers, what makes an EDI candidate attractive to them is dependent on their criteria that they have set forth in the job requirements. There are some basics foundations and skill sets that help lead to an attractive EDI candidate. An attractive EDI candidate typically has a strong work history and continuing of skills or qualities that can seem to work within a company or organization. Another “attractive” quality can be a strong skill in a particular area of need for the client. For example, EDI candidates with .NET development experience with SharePoint or ABAP development within a certain module of SAP will always be more valuable than candidates without that experience. Specific development skills or qualities will help the candidate be seen as “attractive” in the manager’s eyes, and help start the hiring process with an interview. In addition to attractive skill sets, stage managers are looking for certain “attractive” qualities such as honesty, integrity, communication skills, and the ability to get the job/task done on time and within budget.

As in life, people view attractiveness in different ways and the best way to help deem yourself an “attractive” EDI candidate is to look for positions that match your skill set and experience while also looking for opportunities that align with your personal and professional goals. What features or qualities that a manager will like is dependent on the position in which you are applying for. For example, what makes a Java Architect attractive is different from a salesperson in regards to technical acumen and expertise. While your skill set and experience will land you that interview because you are attractive on paper, your face-to-face interview is just as important. You only get one chance to make a first impression! Here are a couple of quick items that always help you look attractive in the client’s eyes.

• Please wear a suit – Just because the job posting says you can wear jeans every day, does NOT mean you should interview in them.
• Do some research – View the company website, and think of questions to ask during the interview.

Good Luck in all of your endeavors.