What character traits are hiring managers seeking when they are looking for their next employee? Do you possess the traits that are important? Check out these resume tips and see if you meet the mark:
- Ambition: Do you have personal goals and are you motivated to reach them? Do you have a plan that will help you realize these goals? Do you see areas in your organization that need improvement and take steps to rectify them? Most organizations are looking for people who are self-starters and motivated to take action. Ensure you can demonstrate that this is you, either by highlighting your accomplishments in your resume or being prepared to speak to it during an interview.
- Continuing Education: Do you have a personal learning plan that outlines how you will continue to educate yourself to remain current in your field? Again, hiring managers are looking to see that you recognize there are changes occurring and that you’re taking steps to ensure that your education is current and relevant. Continuing education and self-improvement is a life-long exercise. But it shouldn’t end with your field. Strive to develop and grow in a number of areas, to ensure that you are recognized as a well-rounded person. Never assume that there is nothing left to learn.
- Responsibility: Do you take personal responsibility for your own actions? Do you recognize your role in situations and acknowledge your contributions? No one wants to hear “I only did that because …”. Managers want to see that you can make a decision, and then stick by it. Even if it isn’t the best decision, you need to be able to show why you made the decision and take ownership. Everyone makes mistakes. If asked during an interview, don’t be afraid to acknowledge and talk about one that you have made.
- Humility: Are you someone who can admit to personal shortcomings and accept criticism? Are you able to give credit where credit is due, and acknowledge members of your team, or are you quick to take all of the credit yourself? Managers want to know that you are someone who can recognize when they are failing, and be able to take steps to improve. Without recognizing and accepting that you have personal faults, you won’t be able to address them. If you don’t address them, you will not be able to improve as an employee or grow as a person.
- Perseverance: Can you maintain focus and stay on track, even during more difficult tasks or in spite of obstacles? Managers want to be sure that when you start a project, you will finish it. They aren’t looking for someone who is easily distracted and can’t follow through. If asked during an interview, be prepared to speak of a situation where you had to deal with a complex problem that required multiple steps over a period of time. This will demonstrate that you have the ability and focus to follow through until the desired outcome is achieved.
Today’s hiring manager is looking for more than just someone who can perform the tasks.
Often times, they recognize that the technical side of the job can be learned. What is often equally or more important is that you have the personal suitability to fit in with their team. Make sure you’re ready to address these traits with your own personal examples.
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