Now let's have a look at what employers are really looking at: 

* Dynamic: 

- Someone who is confident when taking on new tasks and projects.

- Is a good problem solver and can find creative solutions to make things better.

- Has energy, drive and enthusiasm to take self initiative. 

* Proven track record: 

- In this case evidence of your professional experience is required (have statistics and documents or examples of your portfolio work at hand to prove it). 

* Self-starter:

- Someone who takes the initiative without orders or guidance from anyone.

- Who can see what needs to be done.

- Who is able to be in charge of a new project at short notice and can assure the employer to get on with it easily. 

* Proactive:

- This is similar to the self starter (a proactive person who can take action to improve things without supervision.) 

* Team Player: 

- Someone who fits into the company culture and doesn't have any problems to work with diverse people in an effective way. 

- A good idea to impress an employer would be to prove that you worked on a task outside your job, to achieve a goal with your team. 

* Flexible: 

- Someone who is flexible when it comes to working hours in the evenings, weekends or bank holidays.

- You might also be required to travel, stay overnight and work in different offices or countries. 

* Competitive salary and benefits: 

It could mean that the salary is similar to roles for other organisations. But it could also be that the company hasn't decided yet what they are going to offer you as a salary since it might depend on your experience, qualification and skills. In this case it would be advisable to find out at an early stage in the interview process what the range is, to avoid later disappointments. 

* Fast-paced (challenging/demanding) environment: 

- Being able to multitask, meeting deadlines and going the extra mile in order to make sure that targets are met. 

* Customer-focussed:

- Being able to put customers' needs first and understand what makes them tick. 

- Giving examples of situations where you dealt successfully with difficult clients would not be a bad idea. 

* Ability to communicate at all levels: 

- Someone who can deal with people at all levels of the company (people from the shop floor to the board room). 

- Being able to communicate with professionals.

* Core competences:

These are the core skills you need for the job. Always bear in mind the top 5 skills the company is looking for throughout the recruitment process. 

* Commitment to equal opportunities:

- Someone who treats everyone (customers, colleagues, executives, subordinates) equally. 

* Fast learner: 

- Someone who can pick up as you go along (the company might not have the time training you on that job).  

- You would be learning by doing.