Top traits that employers look for when hiring

With an influx of qualified candidates looking for jobs in every economy, employers aren’t just looking for the perfect resume any longer. They’re looking for a glimpse at the person behind the page as well. Finding the right fit for the role is no easy feat, and to do that, companies are considering a complex mix of hard and soft skills that defines the best candidate for the job.

Making a good first impression?

While it is easy to list out a set of hard skills and qualifications on your résumé, conveying personality traits and qualities are not that simple. Remember that you are being assessed from the moment you first shake hands, as a lot can be said about a person within the initial few minutes. In addition to what you say,?employers pay close attention to your level of confidence, personal appearance and body language throughout the interview. Some studies suggest it takes as little as one tenth of a second to start judging important personality traits like trustworthiness, so it is essential to make the most of that narrow window of opportunity. To get off to a strong start, make sure to project confidence and openness from the moment you walk in the door.?

The importance of highlighting personality traits

Personality traits are the characteristics and attributes that make up and reflect who you are. They play a vital role in building good relationships, teamwork, group dynamics, and in day-to-day interactions with colleagues, managers and clients.?

When hiring, employers often search for a particular personality type for jobs. By including personality traits on your résumé, it allows you to tell the employer more about yourself, your experience and how you differ from other candidates.?

Similarly, when facing a job interview, it is important to let your personality shine through. Showcasing the right traits can indicate to prospective employers that you have the necessary soft skills they require in a new hire, thus making you more eligible for the position. Although your work experience and qualifications may closely match with another applicant’s, your personality traits could give you the edge you need. Candidates who can easily adapt to any situation, solve problems quickly, and effectively follow through given tasks are more likely to land the job.?

What traits do employers look for??

Given below is a list of the top traits that employers search for in a candidate when hiring for a new position.?

1. Trustworthiness?

Trust is a key quality that employers require in those they hire. Though exaggerating your skills may help you progress through the hiring process, your inability to deliver as promised could cause your employer to lose faith in you. Employers would much rather have an honest employee, who is willing to learn and grow to make up for any skills that they may be lacking. Prove yourself as trustworthy, and you will be invaluable to the company.

2. Loyalty

Loyalty is another key attribute that employers look for. A loyal employee remains with a company for a lengthy period because they feel valued, appreciated and believe in its overall mission. They are likely more invested in the company’s success, and work towards meeting organisational goals.

3. Good work ethic and practices

Employees who work hard, meet deadlines, are always on time and consistently achieve their targets, show employers that they are committed to the company’s overall success. Showcasing values associated with a good work ethic can increase your employability, and help position yourself for better job opportunities within the company.

4. Self-reliance

Being proactive is an important characteristic that employers look for, and is an easy trait to showcase. Asking specific questions about your duties will show that you have given thoughtful consideration to the position. You can also prove just how self-motivated you are by taking the initiative on group projects.

5. Confidence

During an interview process, it is imperative that you are confident about the value you can bring to a company. Ensure that this is projected in your speech and body language. Use examples of your previous achievements to support your confidence, and further prove your abilities.

6. Creative thinking?

Problem solving through creativity is important, even if you do not work in a traditionally creative capacity. This personality trait shows your willingness to explore every option or possibility to discover the best solution for the situation. Creative thinking enables you to find new solutions, and perhaps, even encourage your company to take a different approach.

7. Positive mindset?

Your attitude at work influences your own job performance, and that of your peers. Maintaining a positive attitude at all times will make you more efficient at what you do, encourage collaboration, strengthen your bond with the team and make your work environment a lot more cheerful. Your positivity also reflects your enthusiasm for your job, and your desire to ensure your success, by working towards the company’s objective.?

Conclusion?

Though it may prove tricky to showcase personality traits in an interview, one great way is to share stories that demonstrate how you performed during a previous experience. You may for example, discuss how you handled yourself in a tough situation, showed up as a leader during a challenging period in your previous workplace, or talk about how you worked together with others as part of a team to achieve a specific target.?

Prior to facing an interview, spend some time considering moments in your career that trigger a sense of pride. Then use those to identify what trait or soft skill brought you to that point. Mentally preparing yourself with a few of these moments will not only help boost your confidence, it will also ensure that you are not caught off guard by any surprising interview questions that aren’t about your direct job experience. Acquaint yourself with your personal strengths, and build a narrative to frame them in a way that appeals to the company that you are applying for. Ultimately, the best way to express your personality is to simply be yourself. Take pride in your work, and others will take notice.