5 Qualities Your Next Boss Will Want to See in You

Professionals in today's job market often adopt a more strategic approach to their careers. Rather than simply looking for a position, you should consider what sort of future leader you want to be and how you can get there. That means considering which skills you need to develop and where your opportunities might lie.

Are there any roles you’d like at your current organization or in a side hustle ? What would it take for you to get there? Your resume is also crucial. It's one thing to list impressive-sounding responsibilities. But when an employer reads through your resume, they're interested in seeing proof you have the right qualities for them to hire you. So here are five qualities employers want to see in you.

1.????Resilience

People who prove their ability to bounce back from challenging situations usually become great leaders. Resilience is a crucial quality because often, it's in short supply. If you demonstrated the capacity to face and overcome past challenges—calmly, you've proven you have the resilience employers want to see. Each time you overcome a setback—whether a failed promotion, a layoff, a significant job change, or a health problem—you demonstrate resilience. Employers want to see this quality because it suggests you can keep moving forward.

2.????Integrity

How do you rate your integrity? Employers value honesty because it shows you have integrity, which is a crucial trait for all levels of management. A person who's honest in their profession is a highly valuable team member. It's always better to own up and skip throwing people under the bus or stretching the truth. Each time you fess up to a mistake, you demonstrate integrity. Being honest isn't just about being ethical. It's about being strategic. You have many more job opportunities if you're honest about your background and strengths.

3.????Cultural fluency

As more organizations become globalized and varied voices speak up, employers seek candidates who demonstrate cultural fluency . They want you to clearly understand your organization's culture and the cultures of your clients and customers. For example, you show cultural fluency if you've worked in a diverse workplace or even traveled abroad. Cultural fluency makes it easier for you to build relationships and understand colleagues. It also makes it easier for you to build relationships with customers and stakeholders.

4.????Complex problem-solving skills

Employers want to see you have a track record of resolving issues. If you ever had to fix a major problem, lead a team through a difficult situation, or problem-solve, you've demonstrated expert problem-solving skills. Problem-solving is a crucial skill for all levels of management. Identifying and resolving issues quickly and effectively is essential for any leader. Employers want to see this quality in you because it shows you have what it takes to help the team solve problems and achieve objectives in today’s highly complex world.

5.????Leading by example

Employers want to see that you can inspire others to achieve their full potential . They want to know you have a track record of going above and beyond and that you’re comfortable setting an example for others. Leading by example is a crucial skill for all levels of management. Ever been recognized for going above and beyond, leading a team that achieved a challenging goal, or taking on a project outside your job description? If so, you demonstrated leading by example. They will also want to know how you pushed yourself outside your comfort zone.

A common thread: curiosity

When you're in a new role, there are things you don't know and skills you need to learn. Still, employers want to see you have the desire to learn new things continually and an eagerness to ask questions. Curiosity is an essential quality for all levels of management and leadership, and it's the thread that runs through all the skills mentioned above. Being curious means constantly asking questions and looking for ways to improve. It also means you're open to new ideas and ways of thinking.

These qualities set you apart from other job seekers. Always showcase these qualities in your resume, cover letter, and interview. They’ll help you get your foot in the door, and then once you’re there, they’ll help you get ahead. Remember, employers, want to hire people like you. So don't be afraid to brag about what you've done. From the first moment you apply for a job until the day you retire, you're always in the process of selling yourself.

?

? 2022 Wayne Elsey . All Rights Reserved.