Employer Evaluations (job interview tips)

Employers are generally monitoring and evaluating you on
three skill sets during an interview. Those three skill sets
can easily be broken down into these sections:

Content Skills

These are the skills that are directly related to
performing a specific job in your profession. You get these
skills by learning your craft in an accredited school through
specialized training, work experience, attaining a degree, and
internships. This shows an employer that you are have acquired
all of the knowledge that you will need to perform your job
efficiently.
If you do not have this type of skill available, you can
simply express that you are looking into specialized training,
and/or would be willing to start. It may not be exactly what
the employer is looking for, but it shows that you show
initiative.

Functional Skills
These are the skills that reflect your ability to work with
others, and how you incorporate data. This is where an
employer decides whether or not you are a team player. You can
display this skill by displaying your past employment record
and accomplishments that are directly job related.
Generally an employer will get an idea of your ability to
work with others depending on your reasons for leaving
previous jobs, whether or not your were fired before etc. If
you have been fired before, don’t lie about it, and do not act
bitter about it when discussing the reason, this will not
benefit you in the end. Be forthcoming and sincere. Express
that it was a learning experience for you and tell them what
you learned from it. It reflects well on your temperament.

Adaptive Skills
This is a general show of your personality and temperament.
It also covers your self management skills. During your
interview, the employer will be evaluating you on your general
ability to get along with him/her. Your general personality
traits are monitored during this time.
When faced with a difficult question, you do not want to
get defensive or angry. Just take a few seconds to think about
what you should say rather than say something you will regret.
If you must; simply explain that you are little nervous so
that you can buy a few extra seconds to answer.
You want to appear at ease, (or as much so as you can)
during your interview. You want the employer to think that you
anticipated everything that he/she is going to say. Even if
you are terrified at your replies, do not let them see you
sweat.