Skip to main content

As you apply for your next (or even your first!) job and enter the talent management/interview process, you will looks to highlight personal qualities, technical skills and experience to help you secure the role. However, there are also transferable skills that employers find favourable. In our latest article, we outline some characteristics that may make you shine. These are in no particular order or importance.

1. Communication skills

It seems an obvious one but, excellent communications skills are an advantage in any work environment. This includes strong verbal, written and physical communication skills. Having the ability to communicate information concisely and effectively can help you show your value as a candidate.

2. Professionalism

The ability to approach situations and handle them respectfully and tactfully is important in ensuring a workplace runs smoothly. Professionalism is also important in working effectively in a team environment. Being viewed as a calm, approachable, polite, well-presented person can make you stand out as a desirable candidate for a potential employer.

3. Problem-solving

The majority of roles require you to tackle and resolve problems as you face them during your day to day. In many jobs, you may face new problems that don’t have a set, defined solution. To help with these situations, employers look for an ability to approach problems objectively and work logically to find a solution.

4. Persistence

Showing that you’re persistent and driven in your work can inspire your colleagues to apply the same drive to their roles.
You should demonstrate that you have the drive to finish all the tasks you start and work through problems until you find solutions.

5. Initiative

Demonstrating initiative can not only be a great trait but it also drives iterative behaviour. Be proactive with how you operate and solving potential problems before they become an issue. You may also show initiative by devising new, more efficient ways to approach tasks that other employees can use.

6. Creativity

Possessing creativity isn’t just to do with artistic traits. As a creative employee, you may also have a tendency to motivate those around you with your fresh approach, which can improve the overall morale of the workforce and avoid business stagnancy with new ideas.

7. Leadership

Having leadership qualities doesn’t necessarily mean that you wish to become a manager or an executive. Some degree of leadership potential can be valuable to potential employers for any role, as it means you’re able to be a helpful point of contact in the workplace. If you possess adequate leadership qualities, you may have a natural ability to motivate and support your co-workers.

8. Accountability

Like many of the previous points, employers value the ability to handle accountability, which includes taking full responsibility for any failures you cause or experience. Remember, fail fast and learn. It’s also equally important to take pride in your successes.

9. Confidence

Being confident in your abilities allows you to work effectively and efficiently. As a confident person, you may be able to approach new situations with ease and take calculated risks to accomplish goals.

10. Willingness to learn

A willing mindset that focuses on growth and learning makes you less likely to be arrogant. No one person knows everything and view it as an opportunity for growth.

Being able and willing to learn helps you keep pace with these changes while remaining effective in your job.

11. Teamwork

Being a team player is a trait that most employers will look for, after all, it’s highly likely that during the course of your working life you may work with others in some way. Being a valuable player who can help the team towards achieving set goals is an attribute many employers may find beneficial regarding a potential candidate and current employees.

12. Adaptability

Coupled with so many of the previous points, being adaptable to change can help you face new challenges with ease and work effectively regardless of the situation. Being an adaptable employee means you may not require much direct input from your manager and can complete your tasks in any circumstances.

13. Conflict resolution

Hopefully rare, but conflicts are likely to occur during your working life. Employers value candidates who are able to handle these conflicts maturely and respectfully to prevent them from escalating. Having skills in conflict resolution means you’re able to calmly and objectively discuss the issues people have and determine the most effective solution for all parties and the business.

14. Reliability

It goes without saying that a reliable employee is crucial to an efficient workplace.
If you’re consistently reliable, you earn trust and respect in the workplace. You may also receive more autonomy, responsibilities or capitalise on opportunities for career advancement.

15. Honesty

Honesty is a two way street. It garners trust within the workplace and can make you a highly desirable candidate. Equally, if you’re open about the struggles you experience with workload or work-life balance, your employer may be able to help and support you.


While all of the above may seem obvious, each one helps to form highly valuable traits in everyday working life and those that any employer is seeking, even if they don’t verbalise it, make sure you do!

If you are currently looking to employ global talent, or need support or advice in executing your Global Mobility strategy give us a call. We have years of experience in the field, and can fully support you at every stage of your Global talent management process.

Contact Us

Our immigration updates are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. If you have any further questions, or want more info about our services, please contact us on info@etesearch.com or call 01245 939188