Experience, relevant schooling, and corresponding skills are extremely important when applying for a specific job. However, multiple studies have shown these days employers are searching for more than just a long a resume. It’s not only about what an employee can do, but also about how he does it, and how he carries himself while doing it.
Stockholm based Universum, conducted a worldwide survey to find out which traits employers are seeking. Additionally, a study conducted at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) International Business School further linked some of these personality traits to favorable job performance. The following points are six personality traits employers “in the know” look for when hiring:
1. Confidence
Universum confirms this is the trait employers think most applicants are missing. What’s the point of having an extensive resume, if you can’t back it up with a firm handshake? First impressions are extremely important, and interviewers will quickly lose interest in you if you cannot look them in the eye. If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will.
2. Professionalism
Eighty six percent of companies rated professionalism as something they are seeking. This is not only limited to the way someone carries herself at work, but can make a strong first impression. Two ways to stand out are to dress appropriately for the interview, and to treat others with complete respect.
3. Openness to new experiences
According to the study conducted by UTM researchers, this personality trait promotes creativity, technical innovations, a need for diversity and is easily trained. Someone who is open to new experiences is also the type of employee who won’t limit himself to the stipulated duties alone. Since this is an individual who is always seeking growth, he will be more than happy to take on additional responsibilities around the workplace. This employee is willing to take risks, try new things, and is the ideal hire for companies seeking hires who will be excited about his career.
4. Intellectual curiosity
This trait is demonstrated in two ways: superior problem-solving and a thirst for learning. An intellectually curious employee wants to know the hows and whys of the workplace. This employee keeps up with new technologies and finds innovative ways to solve problems. She can bring a fresh perspective into the workplace – 57% of companies surveyed by Universum say they are looking for someone with intellectual curiosity.
5. Agreeableness
A person who is agreeable is open-minded, self-sacrificing, generous and trustworthy. An employee with this trait is willing to help others and put the team’s needs before his own in the workplace. This is the type of employee who would be ideal for training new hires in the future or to mellow a workplace dispute. He radiates positivity and according to UTM’s study, he helps boost productivity in the workplace by helping to establish a support system.
6. Self-monitoring
The reason employers look for this type of employee is simple: avoiding micromanaging. This type of employee is aware of his or her duties and performs them without having to be told to do so. This person is efficient, rises up to challenges and is capable of working independently. This is the type of individual who has a lot of challenge-result stories to share during an interview, or simply shows interviewers he is capable of keeping his head up in moments of adversity.
Being aware of the top personality traits companies search for, puts job-seekers in a better position to compete for scarce openings. Find which one of these traits apply to you. Look at your resume and try to think of what you can highlight them.
Each employer is different, however at the end of the day if you are able to show that you are professional, self-motivated and agreeable you will find yourself with more job offers than you can handle. If you are a Millennial Leader, personality makes a difference and showing the right cues is crucial to take the next big step in your career. Find which of these 6 personality traits represents you the most and hold that as your cornerstone during the interview process.
Source:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/work/6-personality-traits-employers-look-for-when-hiring.html
