WHAT EMPLOYEES SAY THEY WANT, starting with most important: 1.Full appreciation for work done 2.Feeling “in” on things 3.Sympathetic understanding of personal problems 4.Job security 5.Good wages 6.Interesting work 7.Promotion and growth opportunities 8.Personal loyalty to workers 9.Good working conditions 10.Tactful discipline

You can see there is quite a discrepancy. This indicates value of “intangible rewards” of appreciation, involvement and understanding. An important benefit is that top 3 things employees want are all influenced by relationship with their direct manager or supervisor.

Show your employees you truly value them, and never underestimate how important you are in maintaining a strong workforce and retaining your best talent!

Know Your Job Goals. Don’t go to interview without being clear about job you are seeking. If you are a generalist, it becomes obvious you are just looking for a job rather than an opportunity to use your skills and abilities to benefit company.

Know What To Wear Personal appearance goes a long way in forming impressions about you right from start. If you doubt this at all, I encourage you to read Your Executive Image: How to Look Your Best & Project Success for Men and Women by Victoria A Seitz. If you ever have questions, always play it safe by going conservative or consult an image specialist. If you don’t have a suit or sports coat, I suggest investing in one along with a white dress shirt and tie. Also, make sure your hair is neatly groomed and your shoes are shined.

Remember, you are a sales professional selling a product to a company. That product just happens to be YOU, so believe me when I say that investing your time into this process will pay huge dividends when it comes to separating yourself from rest of pack.

Jonathan Taylor is author of The Coach's Career Tips and Resources. He helps his clients Love Their Work! You can subscribe at www.careercalling.com/subscribe.htm.