IMMEDIATE Past President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation Wayne Chen says interviewers and employers are more likely to hire job seekers with positive attitudes. He was speaking to final-year students and other job hopefuls and aspiring entrepreneurs at Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU) career expo held on March 25.

“Employers are drawn to job seekers who have positive attitudes towards work. They want people who have a “can do spirit”. They want people who are prepared to work from the bottom up and are solutions-oriented. Those with a positive attitude are people who will stand out.”

Chen also shared some other traits and competencies that will make job seekers more marketable and enhance their chances of landing jobs.

“Communication skills are a must. You must be able to speak and write concisely and fluently. Listening skills are also very important. Take note of what is happening around you. Some of us have preconceptions, so we don’t listen effectively.”

He said sharp interviewers can detect team-building skills or the lack thereof. Other desirable qualities include the ability to manage information, analyse and think critically, and adaptability.

Exhibitors from over 40 companies were on spot to showcase the various viable career paths on the current global job market. They represented industries such as telecommunications, arts, finance, education, hospitality and life sciences. Final year students were also interviewed for jobs by some of these companies.

Director of the Department of Career and Employment Services at NCU Carolyn Marie Smith, said the expo was aimed at increasing awareness and broadening the understanding of the career opportunities in the participating organisations, and building network linkages between and among students, alumni and the participating organisations.

She said the event also allowed employers to have first pick of graduating seniors for full-time, seasonal and part-time job opportunities and internships.

The annual expo is organised by the Department of Career and Employment Services. This year the event was themed ’employability skills: your ticket to the future’.