Searching for a new job or career path can be extremely exciting or daunting. If you do not know what the employer is seeking, how can you get your "foot in the door"? The vast amount of jobs available may cause difficulty in finding the right company to work for. It may also be difficult to understand why you aren't measuring up to a company's overall requirements. Below are five things that employers are looking for in a new candidate.

Cultural Fit

Are you a good cultural fit? In order for a company to thrive, it needs a group of employees that can work well together. While they do not want everyone to be the same, it is highly important that you fit the company mission and have the attributes of like-minded individuals already among the staff.

A Self-Starter

An employer needs to ensure that you can start the day’s tasks on your own. There should never be an instance where you have not budgeted your time and started working. A self-starter is the key to any good workplace.

A Proper Resume

Believe it or not, your resume says a lot about you. First, your education needs to be displayed in a way that allows it to shine. Your resume should speak volumes about the high quality you can offer. Additionally, a resume that is lacking information and shows large employment gaps will get you nixed before you can even get an interview. Be cautious and treat your resume as if it were an interview.

A Degree

The majority of employers are seeking a candidate with a high quality education. Typically, it is required that you have a Master's Degree. It is amazing how many different Master’s Degrees are offered out there. For example, you can get a master public administration degree or a master in business degree. Whatever career path you choose a master’s degree will be really useful when it comes to finding a job.  Lack of education can be the first thing a prospective employer turns you down for.

On the Jobs Skills

While a degree is highly important, you also need relevant work history. On the job experience will show that you have the skills needed to perform the tasks at hand. Be sure to highlight these in your resume.

The interview process can be vigorous. You should also ensure that you are properly informed of all job duties, meet the requirements, and are a great cultural fit. Remember that having a Master's Degree, on the job experience, an exquisite resume, the ability to self-start and being a good cultural fit are the keys to landing the job. Take time to prepare any documents for a new job and then go in with confidence.