When faced with a broad field of candidates with comparable qualifications, HR managers must lean on their intuitions about which personality traits typically make exemplary employees to make sound hiring decisions. Likewise, by familiarizing yourself with what traits hiring managers tend to look for, you can give yourself a serious competitive edge against other job candidates. So what exactly are hiring managers looking for? It tends to boil down to a few common qualities.
Self-Sufficiency
Managers want to be able to assign an employee a task, and then trust that they’ll be able to execute it without needing constant guidance and validation. This is not to say that you shouldn’t feel comfortable asking questions, especially when you first start at a new job. Rather, it simply means that you should be able to leverage your own good judgement and whatever other resources you have at your disposal to do quality work in a timely manner.
Flexibility
Like it or not, successful companies must constantly evolve to adapt to changing technology and market conditions. When employees resist change, it can make it extraordinarily difficult for departments to operate effectively. Likewise, hiring managers tend to look for people who can embrace change rather than get bogged down by it.
Honesty
A reputation for dishonesty can effectively ruin your chances of getting a job. Above all, employers want a workforce they can trust. Establishing your reputation as an honest employee begins with your application. Resist the urge to embellish your qualifications on your resume, and always provide honest answers to interview questions to the best of your ability.
Quiet Confidence
Employers want to see that you can be confident in your abilities without being downright arrogant. Poise is another word that comes to mind; the ability to maintain a friendly, grounded and composed demeanor. For some people this quality comes very naturally. For others, it can take years to develop.
Collaborative
It’s pretty rare to find a position where you’ll be working in total isolation. In most jobs, you’ll be working together with other team members to meet deadlines and accomplish goals. Candidates who seem unwilling to communicate and collaborate with other people are generally less desirable in the eyes of hiring managers.
At CSS, we know how difficult it can be to find the position you’ve been searching for. That’s why we’ve devoted over 20 years to connecting qualified candidates with the companies who need them. Browse our job listings online, or contact us today to learn more about how CSS can help.