These are the most desirable traits in an employee

By May 4, 2017For Talent

The makings of a good employee are obviously subjective. There’s a lot to consider – the stage and size of the company, the seniority of the role, the day-to-day functions of the job – the list is endless! However there are certain attributes that are an asset regardless of what position you’re in. Here’s our advice on how to make yourself a more attractive candidate (without altering your appearance.)

Be a self-starter

Whether you’re in the interview stages or about to take on your new role, employers are always happy to hear that a candidate can work independently. Managers are there to support you, not hand hold. Ruth Penfold, Director of Talent Acquisition at Shazam, says self motivation is a highly desirable trait. “Someone joining us needs to be autonomous and independent, whilst also being visible and accountable. So you need to be very good at figuring stuff out, working with a good deal of unknowns and finding new ways to make things work.”

 

Join Team Shazam
Don’t hide your ambition

If you’re applying for a job at a certain level but have bigger aspirations, don’t disguise them. It’s good for your employer to know that you’re hungry to get up the ladder. They’ll appreciate your honesty and admire your drive.

Show you’re invested

Anyone can send a job application, employers want to know that you’ve chosen their company for a reason. Show them that you get what they’re about, that you’ve bought into their mission and want to be part of their story. LOVESPACE MD, Steve Folwell says the best employees know what they can add to the business and don’t think of themselves as just an employee.

Join the LOVESPACE team

Do it for the team

It’s important to showcase your own strengths and skills but you also need to prove that you can work well in a unit. While a bit of workplace competition is healthy, it’s collaboration that gets sh*t done! No man is an island and all that.

Julien Deslangles-Blanch of General Assembly says at GA they’re always on the hunt for team players. “I want to be sure the person has the skills to do the job, but also is ready to contribute to our community and foster collaboration with our staff and external partners.”


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Author Aoife Geary

Aoife Geary is the Content Editor at Jobbio specialising in the areas of Workplace Culture, Diversity, Startups and Digital Trends. She's partial to a burrito, a bad pun and living way beyond her means.

More posts by Aoife Geary

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