Key Qualities and Personal Attributes

Nine Key Qualities and Personal Attributes that every organisation wants and every candidate must be aware of

One of your main challenges will be to determine precisely what key qualities and personal attributes the interviewer is looking for.
To help you out, just about all companies will measure you on some or all of the following key qualities:


• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 qualifiers such as "I think..." or “I believe that…”


• 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.

• 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.

• Flexibility - - Companies are seeking bright candidates who are able to analyze and adjust to changing circumstances, solve challenging problems, and quickly understand new concepts. 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.


How can YOU demonstrate these Key Qualities and Personal Attributes?

Your skills analysis and personal marketing statements should help you.