5 Character Traits You Need to Know About to Find a Job in 2015

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If you are a recent college graduate or have spent any time looking for a job, you know how difficult it can be to figure out exactly what hiring managers are looking for. Even when a job description lays out what skills are necessary to land the position, your personality still plays a huge role in whether or not you succeed. Understanding what character traits employers are looking for could bring you one step closer to landing the position of your dreams.

Here are five personality traits to emphasize on your resume, and in your interviews, in 2015:

1. Leadership

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2015 Job Outlook Survey, 78.8 percent of managers look for examples of leadership skills on a candidate’s resume. This suggests that employers are looking for college graduates who feel comfortable taking on responsibilities, and who are confident they can deliver. Respondents also reported that leadership positions were a key deciding factor in choosing between two equally qualified candidates.

Be sure to use your resume to highlight any leadership positions you have held during your academic or professional career. If you have not held any “official” leadership positions, provide descriptions of situations where you exhibited strong leadership attributes, or taken control of a situation.

2. Teamwork

Equally as important as leadership, 78.8 percent of NACE survey respondents chose
“the ability to work in a team structure” as an important factor for candidate screening. Not only do employers want candidates who know how to lead a team, but they are looking for employees who know how to be an effective team member as well.

Use the experience section of your resume to describe the team roles you filled in previous positions. If you are new to the work world, highlight group projects, activities, sports or volunteer work that exposed you to team dynamics. Just remember to be specific and discuss how your work experiences, group projects and other activities contributed to your ability to work as part of a team.

3. Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to tackle an issue and work through its complexities to find a solution. Almost 71 percent of managers cited it as an important attribute for candidates to possess.

In many cases, your problem solving skills will be put to the test during an interview. Take your time to answer any questions, and do not be afraid to ask for a moment to collect your thoughts. The answer is not always the most important thing; sometimes hiring managers are more interested in how you answer a question than what your answer is.

4. Work Ethic

Your work ethic may be just as important as your skills. Respondents in the Career Advisory Board’s (CAB) 2014 Job Preparedness Indicator Study, found work ethic to be one of the character traits that was more essential for a candidate than skills like technology and decision-making. Additionally, 70.4 percent of NACE respondents agreed that a strong work ethic is essential for candidates on the job market.

Instead of describing yourself as “hard working,” define what makes your work ethic strong. Describe extra classes you have attended, or supplementary learning opportunities you have taken advantage of, to make yourself a better employee/candidate. If possible, discuss professional projects you worked on and describe your roles and responsibilities to highlight your work ethic.

5. Relatability

Managers want to know that they are hiring a person who can get along with co-workers and represent the company well. Both NACE respondents (60.6 percent) and CAB survey respondents cite a candidate’s ability to relate to and interact with people on a professional level, as one of the most important traits a candidate can have.

Whenever you communicate with hiring managers or other company representatives, remember that it is all part of the process. Be cordial, helpful and professional. If you can, find something you have in common with the hiring manager and try to develop a more personal connection. Your written and verbal interactions with a hiring manager could be the only opportunities you have to make an impression, so make the most out of them.

Remember, hiring managers are evaluating your skills and your character when they review your application. Put your resume to work for you, by using it to tell a story and showcase your accomplishments and personality, for the best chance to find a job.

How do you showcase your personal traits on your resume? What other character traits do you find important? Share your thoughts in the comments below!