Key Qualities and Personal Attributes Make You Stand Out

On this page I'm going to describe the 10 Key Qualities and Personal Attributes that every organization looks for in potential new recruits.

This is because you need to understand that describing your own qualities as work strengths is much more effective than waffling on with some generic statements that sound good but mean nothing.

Starting with the list below, think about the extent to which the statement applies to you, then turn it into a personal statement.

For example to demonstrate 'Honesty and integrity' you might say:

The 10 Key Qualities Examined

When preparing for an interview, or starting to write your resume or CV, think about how you can incorporate most of these 10 key qualities.

To get some really good insights into your own personality and qualities, you can take a free 5 minute test from this page - click Free Test

Of course, one of your main challenges will be to determine precisely what key qualities and personal attributes the interviewer or hiring manager is looking for and being able to demonstrate your own personal attributes as specific work strengths.To help you out, just about all companies and organizations will measure you on some or all of the key qualities in the list below. If you're unsure how to describe your own personal attributes I recommend that you take a free personality test and get hold of your report.

1. Communication Skills - Most important for any candidate is to be able to communicate clearly. Think before you speak. In your use of language, show organized, analytical thinking.

   It may sound odd, but how you say something has been shown to be as important as what you actually say. Vary the tone of your voice, use appropriate inflection and diction. But don't speak too softly. Use correct construction and complete your sentences. You must be able to use language effectively if they are to see you representing the company. Interview presentation skills are an important aspect of your communication skill.

2. Interest - Show that you have great interest in the company’s activities as well as the position. Demonstrate your interest by mentioning what you know about the business. If you also ask a few pointed questions, the interviewer will be gaining vital insights into your personal attributes as a candidate. Listen carefully to the answers you get to your questions as they give you critical information about the employer. The corollary to 'Interest' is 'Loyalty' because if at this stage you don't display the interest they would expect, you probably won't turn out to be a loyal employee either.

3. Enthusiasm - Your chances of being offered a job will be severely limited if you show any hint that you could be only lukewarm about it. Remain positive and enthusiastic about it during the whole interview. Show that you are both determined and persistent when it comes to achieving your goals and objectives. Make like it really is the only job you would like to be offered and accept.

4. Positive Attitude - Keep the tone of the interview upbeat throughout. Companies want employees who can achieve great results. A negative person hardly ever gets positive results. Smile at the interviewer; keep negatives out of the interview. Word your questions and answers positively. Show that you have learned from previous experiences and will bring energy to the new job.

5. Professionalism – All companies want their employees to display this quality. It's something that shows up in a candidate's overall approach. You can show it best in an interview by demonstrating specialized knowledge and abilities in key areas of the job you are seeking. This means you must interpret the job description so that you can put forward some constructive ideas of your own.

6. Honesty and Integrity - Always work with the best interests of your employer in mind. Company time or material is not yours to use without permission and although you may use something at work, it doesn’t mean you can use it as you will other than for work purposes. Being honest about what you do or use or how you spend your paid time means you are trustworthy and can be trusted to do a a full day's work for a full day's pay. Career advancement is more likely to follow.

7. Self-confidence - Interviewers will watch your body language to see how self-confident you are. Stand straight; hold your head high, your shoulders back. Use a firm handshake. Look the interviewer in the eyes, even when confronted with unexpected questions. However don’t hold eye contact for more than say 60% of the time, after that it can become a stare and feel hostile to the interviewer. Avoid weak qualifiers such as "I think..." or “I believe that…” Instead try: "I know..." or "I am confident that..."

8. Leadership - Candidates with the ability to lead are universally sought after. Good leaders rely extensively on their ability to read situations. They sense an environment, picking up and interpreting soft data without having it spelled out for them. Explain leadership you have demonstrated in business, military service, or community activities.

   Learn Leadership Skills from the Experts With the "How to Lead" self-study leadership system. Includes tools, tips, tests and email courses helping you to be an exceptional leader.

9. Sensitivity - To be a good team member and work well within a company, you have to be sensitive to other people’s key qualities, as well as their needs and differences. Employers like to engage people who will get along with their co-workers and are able to act maturely and responsibly in a range of different circumstances.

10. Flexibility - - Companies are seeking bright candidates who are able to analyze and adjust to changing circumstances, solve challenging problems, and quickly understand new concepts. Show that you are eager and willing to learn new skills and add to your knowledge base, but not at the expense of getting the job done. Any signs of unwillingness to travel and staying within a limited geographical area will limit your opportunities. It's best for you to express open-mindedness about relocation.

Describing your key qualities as skills also makes a great interview self introduction & is the basis of job winning personal description. This can apply to your interview itself, the words you use in a cover letter, or the way you write your CV or resume.

The other obvious point is when it comes to your annual performance appraisal.

You can now download the "Phrases for Performance Appraisals Guidebook" and use the exact phrases that professionals use to write their concise and powerful appraisals

How Do YOU Demonstrate These Key Qualities?

Your skills analysis and personal marketing statements from previous sections of this site should help you. But if you're unsure how to describe your own personal attributes I recommend that you take a free 5 minute personality test; complete the online questionnaire and get hold of your report.

Or, you can get a free personality test report here by clicking on any of the descriptive images below.

Learn More About Key Qualities & Personality Type - Take The Test

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Read more about how to describe your: Personal Attributes or your Key Strengths and your Key Qualities in order to Manage Your Career

Go back to read about Interview Questions and what to say for the best interview answers.

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