Although approaching potential employers can be intimidating, keep in mind that they want the same things you do: a successful outcome. For every job application, spend some time thinking about the value you can offer the company. What qualities will you bring to this job? What sets you apart from other candidates?

Review the qualities and skills that make you a unique and valuable applicant for every job you pursue – and then don't be afraid to talk about them when you're interviewed.Canadian employers place a high priority on the following four personal management skills.  Interviews often focus on determining a candidate's abilities in these areas:

• Self-esteem and confidence
• Honesty, integrity, and personal ethics
• A positive attitude towards learning, growth, and personal health
• Initiative, energy, and persistence to get the job done

• The ability to set goals and priorities in work and personal life
• The ability to plan and manage time, money, and other resources to achieve goals
• Accountability for the actions you take

• A positive attitude towards change
• Recognition of and respect for people's diversity and individual differences
• The ability to identify and suggest new ideas to get the job done creatively

• Work with others to better understand and contribute to the organization's goals
• Understand and work within the culture of the group
• Plan and make decisions with others and support the outcomes
• Respect the thoughts and opinions of others in the group
• Exercise compromise to achieve group results
• Lead when appropriate and mobilize the group for high performance

And don’t forget the following basic attributes of all great job candidates.

Communication: Candidates should actively listen, understand, and learn. They should be comfortable working with the text- and graphic-based written materials used in a particular role

Thinking: Great applicants know how to think critically and act logically to evaluate situations, solve problems, and make decisions. They use math skills to understand and solve problems, then make use of the results. They're comfortable with the technology of business, and can choose the right tool for the job

Learning: A commitment to lifelong learning can make a strong impression on a potential employer