Struggling to Make an Impact? Maybe It’s Time to Get Personal

While skills, experience, and qualifications are essential, your personality also plays a big role in your appeal to employers. Even if your qualifications fit the job description perfectly, highlighting your personal attributes could be what truly sets you apart.

To help you bring out both your skills and personality, here’s a quick breakdown of the difference between skills and qualities—and five key personal traits that employers value most.

Personal Skills vs. Personal Qualities

Many people think that skills alone are what employers look for. However, while skills are abilities developed through training or experience, qualities are your personal traits and character attributes developed through life experiences.

It’s the combination of both—skills and personal qualities—that will show employers how you’ll fit within their team and succeed in your role.

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Five Essential Qualities That Stand Out to Employers

1. Confidence

Having the right skills and experience is vital, but being able to communicate them confidently is just as important. Employers want candidates who can back up their expertise, know their worth, and express it clearly.

To show confidence in an interview, maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and speak clearly. In remote interviews, focus on speaking positively and comfortably—even minor pauses can show self-assurance. And remember, it’s not just what you say but how you say it that matters. Prepare your responses in advance to help eliminate hesitations and convey your answers with clarity.

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2. Proactivity

Are you someone who takes initiative, or do you wait for instructions? Being proactive—demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills—can make you highly attractive to employers.

In your interview, highlight past examples where you took the lead or resolved issues without being asked. Show interest in the role by referring to the job description and asking thoughtful questions about the responsibilities. It shows you’re engaged, prepared, and passionate about what the job entails.

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3. Resilience

Every role will have its challenges, so employers seek candidates who can face setbacks with optimism and determination. Resilience isn’t just about problem-solving; it’s about learning from obstacles and staying committed.

To showcase resilience, mention past challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. Focus on your dedication and your commitment to succeed even when things don’t go as planned. When you’re passionate about your goals, employers will see that you have the tenacity to reach them.

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4. Adaptability

Change is a constant in any workplace, so adaptability is an important quality to highlight. Employers want team members who can embrace shifts in priorities, help where needed, and take on extra responsibilities when required.

Being adaptable doesn’t mean you dislike routines; it shows you’re open to growth and new challenges. Share examples of times you adjusted to changing circumstances, covered different roles, or took on new projects. Showing that you’re comfortable with flexibility will demonstrate your ability to thrive in dynamic environments.

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5. Positivity

Your outlook can have a big impact on how you’re perceived. A positive attitude not only shows enthusiasm for the role but also suggests you’re likely to focus on solutions rather than problems.

When answering competency questions or describing past experiences, focus on the positive outcomes, even if the path was difficult. Showcasing a constructive attitude in your responses can leave a lasting impression, even in challenging situations.

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Additional Qualities to Highlight in Any Interview:
Accountability, Ambition, Empathy, Reliability, Creativity, and Decisiveness.

Emphasizing these personal qualities along with your skills can help you stand out to employers. By showing that you not only meet the job requirements but also bring essential character traits, you’ll convey why you’re a valuable fit for the role and for the team.