What would separate an applicant among the rest of the hopeful and qualified jobseekers? We’re counting down the first five of fifteen positive character traits that recruits and applicants need to be highly impactful and irresistible to employers:
Communication
Expressing oneself well and appropriately is by far the most significant asset a job applicant can have. Becoming multilingual is definitely a plus, though what is being referred to is the actual communication skills that allow an employee to converse with managers, peers and subordinates alike with equal ease and fluidity.
Nowadays you cannot excel in the workplace without being able to at least be good conversationally as well as able to understand instructions well.
Another area of good communication is the ability to engage and interact with others to avoid or resolve conflict. This is extremely valuable and could even propel an employee to greater heights career-wise.
Honesty
It always pays to be honest. The trait of being honest ranks high among the required by companies and employers simply because a working relationship is one that is built in trust and founded on transparency.
Imagine hiring an applicant that is red-flagged with committing a fraudulent act in his previous work. Wouldn’t that be irresponsible recruitment decision? An employee’s work track record is indicative of his overall performance and personality, so acts of dishonesty should never be taken or treated lightly.
Charisma
Seems ambiguous, right? But whether you accept it or not, great leaders from all fields of expertise have charismatic personalities.
It is that magnetic essence in a person that just draws people in and makes them want to follow suit.
Say you have two employees which are equally hard working and talented. However, one has a dryer personality and explains his ideas without much thought for creativity or flair. On the other hand, the more charismatic employee gives a riveting presentation which clearly shows that he put a lot of effort into it. Guess who will win management over?
Never underestimate that x-factor that invites people in. Not all people have charisma. It is something that’s innate. But it could also be harnessed.
Confidence
This one really goes without saying. You can’t move any further in life, in business, in your career, without having the confidence to do so.
Confidence does not only shine in dire situations. Most of the time, it could be the most mundane of things wherein an employee can display his confidence.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to try your best even if it is not expected from you. Be confident in going the extra mile. Have confidence in yourself that you can and will do it.
Enthusiasm
When asked which is better: sunny or rainy days, a staggering 66% of respondents prefer having a warm, summery type of day.
The same goes with having an enthusiastic co-worker around; it’s like having a perpetual sunny day. We become more productive, more energetic and more engaging around people who are enthusiastic.
Contrast that with a negative nelly who is like a perennial dark grey cloud that you are unsure of rain will pour out or what. Unenthusiastic co-workers just tend to pull you down or beat the life out of you. You don’t get to cultivate innovative ideas around people who are always in a sour mood.
Having a positive attitude is highly valued by management and peers alike.
Have you done a personal inventory of your character traits? Which do you possess? Which do you need to work on? Having these personality traits are addictive because you will revel in the positive impact you create in the workplace. Honing these traits, you’d never want to do it any other way.
Be sure to check out part II and III of these addictive character traits that will surely bring about success in the workplace. Also, visit our Facebook page and for more human resource management featurettes, tips and trends.