Personal Qualities Employers Look For in Candidates

Tanzania November 2, 2022 Job Tips

Job Overview

Personal qualities are the characteristics, attributes or personality traits that make up and reflect who you are. Examples include honesty, dependability or having a good sense of humor or being dependable. Personal qualities are highly important for teamwork, group dynamics, building relationships and in day-to-day interactions with colleagues, managers or clients. As you search for jobs, it’s important to understand the personal qualities employers search for and value.

In this article, we discuss what personal qualities are and how they differ from personal skills as well as how to identify yours and the top qualities employers want.

Differences between personal qualities and personal skills
Personal qualities refer to personal characteristics or attributes. Examples include:

Likability
Helpfulness
Sincerity

Personal skills are the abilities you possess, such as hard and soft skills. Hard skills are tangible skills such as the ability to code or speak a second language. Soft skills are similar to personal qualities because they relate to who you are, but they are more so an application of your personal qualities. Examples of personal soft skills include:

Problem-solving
Creative thinking
Leadership

Why add personal qualities to a resume?
Including personal qualities on your resume allows you to tell the employer more about yourself, your experience and how you differ from other candidates. Employers often search for a particular personality type for jobs, and discussing your personal qualities shows them you may be the most appropriate candidate for the role.

You can add personal qualities to your resume in several ways. One option is to create a section that lists your specific qualities. Another way is to provide examples describing your previous employment and achievements that involve these skills or qualities.

12 personal qualities examples
Employers may look for different personal qualities depending on the industry or job responsibilities. For example, a recruiter hiring for a sales position may look for someone who is persuasive and persistent. However, there are some universal qualities nearly all employers want from candidates, including:

1. Enthusiasm
Employers seek individuals who are excited about the opportunity to work for the organization. If you are passionate and enthusiastic about your work, you may be more engaged and produce better results. Your excitement about your work may also inspire your peers and improve the overall morale in your workplace.

2. Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness can tell an employer how seriously you take your work, the pride you take in a job well done and your commitment to your role. Being conscientious may also indicate you have strong organization skills and the ability to focus.

3. Motivation
Employers want someone they can rely on to take instructions and do their job without frequent reminders of the task. Being self-motivated shows your ability to do your job effectively and efficiently. Taking initiative on completing certain projects or tasks may reinforce your commitment to your job or uncover leadership skills that could help you in the future.

4. Ambition
Having ambition shows your commitment to and excitement about your career. As an ambitious person, you may be goal-oriented with a strong desire to succeed in your career, and you may constantly strive for new areas of success. This prospect often excites employers, and they may want to help develop your talent and success.

5. Confidence
Show future employers you know the value you can bring to their company. Real-life examples of your previous achievements can support your confidence and further prove your abilities.

For example, you are a graphic designer at a marketing agency who is passionate and knowledgeable about the psychology of different colors. Your colleague mentions an ad for a client is underperforming, and you notice the color is not one people respond well to. Based on your recommendation, they only change the color of the ad, and customer engagement with this ad improves.

6. Humility
Being humble at work may include taking ownership of any mistakes, acknowledging your opportunities for improvement and recognizing how the hard work of others contributes to your success. A good way to demonstrate you are humble on your resume or while interviewing is to discuss your previous achievements in a fair way that highlights your success without boasting.

7. Honesty
Honesty is important both as you apply for jobs and once you enter the workplace. As you apply for jobs, avoid exaggerating your qualifications and skills. Practice honesty in the workplace by taking ownership of your work and asking for help as you need it. When you ask questions, you demonstrate an eagerness to grow and learn new skills.

8. Flexibility
Flexibility in the workplace includes having an open mind and willingness to try new things. Show employers that you can adapt to the natural challenges that occur with a positive attitude and openness to helping how you can. For example, if the manager of your department resigns, ask a member of senior leadership about how you can help as they search for a replacement manager. Be flexible if they ask you to add more projects to your workload or take on responsibilities you previously wouldn’t have.

9. Reliability
Employers want someone they can trust to show up every day and do their job well. Try to show up to work on time every day and maintain consistent productivity levels. Most employers are understanding of personal emergencies or normal inconveniences, such as unexpected traffic. However, a phone call or email to your manager to alert them you are running late and provide an estimate of when you will be in the office shows you are reliable.

10. Creativity
Creativity in the workplace is important even if you do not work in a traditionally creative field. This personal quality shows your willingness to explore every option or possibility to discover the best solution. Creative thinking empowers you to approach problems with new solutions, and you may encourage your company to try something they haven’t before.

11. Positivity
Your attitude at work influences your own job performance and that of your peers. Maintaining a positive attitude at work can help you do your job more effectively, encourage collaboration, strengthen your team and make your workplace more pleasant. Your positivity also reflects your enthusiasm for your work and your desire to do well.

12. Loyalty
Employers value employees who are committed to the company’s success. Demonstrate personal responsibility by acting in the best interest of the company and doing everything in your power to promote the company’s mission. A sense of loyalty can also help you stay engaged at work, enhancing your overall performance.

Make a list on pen and paper. Set a timer for a few minutes and challenge yourself to write out a list of every personality quality you believe you possess. After the time ends, review your list and circle the ten qualities you believe best represent you. Rank your ten qualities in chronological order with number one as your strongest quality.
Take personality tests. Personality tests can help you better understand yourself. Your answers provide you with insight to your personality. Consider trying the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as your first test.
Ask for feedback. Talk to people who know you well. Ask peers or supervisors what they think your strengths are. When you ask for their feedback, they may tell you things you do not even realize about yourself.