To be more desirable and find a great job focus on 10 things.

The power of first impressions is often underestimated.

Research shows the average person forms an opinion about the person they first meet within 7 seconds, and that opinion is difficult to change.

Scientists at Harvard Business School suggest people make “instant judgements” predicated on two critical questions.

Can I trust this person, and can I depend on this person?

90% of all first impressions are based on two pertinent questions.? Is this person “trustworthy” and is this person “competent”???

When interviewing for a job we often have one chance to make a lasting impact.? The message needs to be clear.? I am competent and you can trust me.

Trust is something each of us value immensely.

In personal and professional relationships having trust is the building block of great partnerships.

Without trust, we can be respected but unliked.? We can be successful but create suspicion.

So, what qualities can help improve our prospects getting the best job opportunities?

Becoming is better than being.?—Carol Dweck, Mindset

Here are 10 attributes great leaders seek in future job candidates:

Honesty

Being honest is a virtue most people value.? Ironically, many of us fib and fabricate when telling the truth could have consequences.? Withholding the truth is also dishonest and prevents quality feedback that improves relationships.? Admitting mistakes, confessing our shortcomings are just a few things that resonate with strong leaders.?

Team player

We have all encountered super stars that lack the ability to get along.? They feel entitled and get impatient because no one can meet their high expectations.? Learning to collaborate and get along with others is critical and something great leader’s demand.? Being able to compromise and make concessions is critical for success and something strong leaders seek.?????

Confident

Genuine confidence is critical for success, and strong leaders can spot sincerity a mile away.? Bravado and hyperbole are no substitute for authentic confidence and cultivating genuine confidence should be top priority for future job candidates.? People with clear goals and great communication skills exude confidence and competence.?

Positive

Nothing ruins team dynamics worse than negative people with negative energy.? Great leaders look for people with positive attitudes and prefer cultivating talent with people that have positive attitudes.? Positive people are resilient and understand how to overcome setbacks.

If I had nine hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first six sharpening my axe.?—Abraham Lincoln

Ambitious

Ambitious people aspire to improve and work hard to achieve big goals.? Great leaders help remarkable people cultivate their curiosities and pursue their passions.? The organization always wins when people are free to exercise their ambition.? Being ambitious is something all great leaders look for in future employees.

Great communicator

Great communication skills are essential for landing a dream job.? Being able to articulate yourself well, write well and show positive body language will help seal the deal.? Great communicators also listen to understand.? Focusing on great communication skills will set you apart from other candidates that demonstrate sloppy communication skills.

Determined

Raw determination is a beautiful attribute and it’s rare these days.? Everyone is looking for short cuts and hacks, but few people embrace the pain of personal and professional improvement.? We want results right away and give up too easily.? Great leaders want people with determination, because they know those people get things done and do what’s required to finish the job.

Motivated

Highly motivated people are irreplaceable.? Many people are lazy and aspire to do the minimum required, and they complain constantly.? I find it ironic how many people are lamenting about fairness, but how few are willing to give 110% every day to build their dreams.? People want high paying jobs and massive rewards without doing anything.? Motivated people don’t buy into lame explanations for why they can’t get ahead, they do what is required to get ahead.?

Open minded

We are witnessing what echo chambers look like and despite organizations’ efforts to impose mandatory policies on people, they often create division.? Open minded people are irreplaceable because they understand how to get along and value other opinions.? Great organizations are built on open minded people that embrace all viewpoints and work toward doing what’s right for everyone.

Hard worker

Laziness is on full display and great leaders spot mediocrity a mile away.? We witnessed during the pandemic plenty of job opportunities, but employment shortages.? It revealed how badly the average person “really” wants to work.? People that understand the benefit of hard work and resist immediate gratification are priceless.? Lazy people ruin great teams and cause top performers tremendous frustration.? Great leaders value a great work ethic.

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.?—Michael Jordan

Sum it up.

Any other qualities that make extraordinary people stand out?? Share your thoughts in the comments section and please like and share this article. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.?? Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming.? Steve is the author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success.? Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn.? Learn more about my work and grab the free Weatherology mobile app by clicking any picture in this article!