Five Essential Qualities for Job Seekers

When employers interview job applicants, they are usually looking for certain specific qualities. Of course every career is different in terms of the skills and experience required for a particular job, but there are at least five basic qualities that are absolutely essential for every job seeker in every industry to possess in order to give a potential employer a positive impression.

1. Self-confidence. An interviewer will be naturally impressed by an applicant who exhibits confidence in his or her abilities. Speak with conviction, know yourself, and show yourself to be knowledgeable and competent. But be careful not to come across as being overconfident. There’s a fine line between appearing self-confident and seeming cocky.

2. Maturity. Most jobs involve a certain amount of stress, no matter what the industry. If you can demonstrate to a potential employer that you are able to handle complex or stressful situations with emotional maturity, then you will be perceived as being able to work well with others and keep your emotions in check during disagreements or challenging situations.

3. A positive attitude. A good outlook is just as important as having impressive skills and experience. Going out of your way to offer exemplary service to clients or helping out colleagues, particularly in bad times, shows an employer that you are passionate about keeping the outlook positive for everyone.

4. Adaptability. Most jobs will involve change at some time or another, and it is vital for an employer to know that you will be able to adapt to those changes without missing a beat. You need to make it clear to a prospective employer that you will not be overwhelmed by new ideas or unfamiliar experiences, and you will meet challenges head-on and succeed.

5. Goal-oriented. Every employer has goals for their company, so they naturally value employees that have goals for themselves. The more closely your goals align to the goals of the company, the more attractive you will be to potential employers. Your resume should show employers that you have continuously challenged yourself to achieve higher and more important goals throughout your career.

These basic, essential qualities will make you attractive to a potential employer. Focus on cultivating these qualities, and the job offers will follow.