Key Qualities and Personal Attributes

Top 10 Key Attributes that every employer is looking for – even if they don’t know it!

Your main challenge when applying for jobs and having interviews is to determine exactly what key attributes the employer is looking for.

Listed below are the main areas that employers will be focusing on – to a lesser or greater extent.

Ü      Communication – Can you communicate clearly? Engage brain before mouth! It may sound strange, but how you say something is as important as what you actually say. Vary the tone of your voice and don't speak too softly. Speak clearly and talk in whole sentences. If a company is to see you representing them in the marketplace then you must be able to use language. 

Ü      Interest – You must be able to demonstrate an interest in their business. Ask some pointed questions and listen carefully to the answers. Not only will you show interest but you’ll also find something out!  

Ü      Enthusiasm – People employ enthusiasm. You must stay positive and enthusiastic about the job for the entire interview – even when it seems to be over. Remember that in order to turn a job down you first need to be offered it. 

Ü      Positive Attitude - Smile at the interviewer and keep negatives out of the interview. Never slate your previous employer, boss or colleagues. You must at all costs avoid sounding bitter about anything; for example redundancy. 

Ü      Professionalism – This is very much about personal appearance and grooming. This is the best dressed and turned out that you should ever be. Dirty fingernails could cost you a job offer.  

Ü      Self-confidence - Your body language will give an employer a powerful insight into your confidence and general attitude. See the section on Body Language for more information on this. 

Ü      Leadership - Leaders are always sought after by employers. Give examples of times when you have shown leadership in business, military service or in community activities such as Round Table, Rotary, Scouts etc 

Ü      Sensitivity – This is not as odd as it sounds. No employer wants an employee who is going to upset their current staff by being rude and insensitive. Don’t make the mistake of associating sensitivity with weakness. 

Ü      Salesmanship – it might not be immediately obvious but every employee in a company is a sales person, both in and out of work. Credit controllers and Purchase Ledge Clerks are sales people when they deal with customers and suppliers, Receptionists are sales people when they are on the phone or greeting visiting clients, Car Mechanics are sales people when they use a seat protector; EVERYBODY IS A SALESPERSON. Find some examples of how you have sold your company. 

Ü      Flexibility – how flexible are you to change? Are you positive about it or are you one of those who say “we tried that before and it didn’t work” or “that’s not the way we do things here”. Those are the people who put obstacles in a company’s path – and they don’t get hired. 

Think about each of these when preparing for an interview and have examples ready – you may not need them but you must prepare if you are to succeed.