Here are 25 top qualities employers look for in job candidates and how you can highlight them in your resume, cover letter, Github, YouTube channel and interviews.
Certain personal and professional qualities will consistently help you stand out to employers.
These qualities are highly sought after across industries, making them essential for anyone seeking their next position.
1. Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in any role. Employers want candidates who can articulate ideas clearly, listen attentively, and engage in meaningful conversations. Whether it’s written or verbal communication, your ability to interact with team members, clients, and management is key to success.
How to showcase: On your resume, highlight instances where your communication skills made a difference—such as leading a presentation, collaborating on a project, or writing reports.
2. Teamwork
Being able to work well with others is fundamental. Collaboration is key to solving problems and achieving company goals. Employers value candidates who contribute positively to team environments and can navigate group dynamics effectively.
How to showcase: On your resume, use terms like “collaborated,” “partnered,” or “contributed” to show your experience in teamwork.
3. Problem-Solving Ability
Employers look for individuals who can approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset. Problem solvers are invaluable because they can identify issues, think critically, and develop effective solutions.
How to showcase: Mention specific examples where you faced a challenge and successfully navigated it, detailing the steps you took to resolve the issue.
4. Adaptability
In today’s fast-changing workplace, being adaptable is crucial. Employers need individuals who can embrace change, learn new tools and processes, and thrive in dynamic environments.
How to showcase: Highlight instances where you adapted to new systems, responsibilities, or organizational changes, demonstrating your flexibility and resilience.
5. Leadership
Leadership isn’t just for managers—employers value candidates who can inspire and motivate others.
It includes taking initiative, making decisions, and guiding others toward common goals, whether or not you hold a formal leadership title.
How to showcase: Include examples where you took charge of a project, mentored a colleague, or helped drive a team effort.
6. Work Ethic
A strong work ethic is one of the most universally admired qualities. Employers want candidates who are reliable, punctual, and willing to go the extra mile to meet company goals.
How to showcase: Mention how you consistently met or exceeded performance goals, and demonstrate your commitment to delivering high-quality work.
7. Integrity and Honesty
Trust is essential in any workplace. Employers value candidates who are honest, ethical, and trustworthy. Integrity ensures that an employee will act in the best interest of the company and uphold professional standards.
How to showcase: Be truthful in your application materials and during interviews. Highlight past roles where integrity was crucial, such as handling sensitive information or managing budgets.
8. Creativity
Employers value creativity, even in traditionally non-creative fields. Creative problem-solving, innovative thinking, and the ability to approach tasks in unique ways can set you apart from other candidates.
How to showcase: Highlight moments where you introduced new ideas, processes, or products that positively impacted your team or company.
9. Attention to Detail
In many roles, precision and accuracy are critical. Employers look for individuals who can carefully manage details and catch small errors before they turn into big problems.
How to showcase: Mention specific tasks where attention to detail was crucial, such as editing, managing data, or ensuring compliance with regulations.
10. Time Management
Time management skills are essential in fast-paced work environments where deadlines are a constant factor. Employers need individuals who can prioritize tasks and efficiently manage their time to meet business goals.
How to showcase: Provide examples of how you managed multiple projects or deadlines without sacrificing quality.
11. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. High EQ is important in leadership, team collaboration, and conflict resolution.
How to showcase: Discuss moments where you handled difficult interpersonal situations or helped mediate conflicts, demonstrating emotional insight.
12. Initiative
Taking initiative means not waiting to be told what to do but proactively seeking out opportunities to contribute. Employers love employees who can think independently and find ways to improve processes or take on new responsibilities.
How to showcase: Highlight times when you took on extra responsibilities or suggested improvements to enhance efficiency.
13. Resilience
Setbacks and challenges are inevitable in any job, and employers want candidates who can bounce back. Resilience means maintaining a positive attitude, learning from mistakes, and continuing to move forward.
How to showcase: Provide examples of how you recovered from a difficult project, handled stress, or overcame a major challenge in your career.
14. Technical Skills
Technical skills are essential for many roles, especially in fields like IT, engineering, or finance. Employers want candidates who are not only familiar with industry-specific tools and software but also capable of learning new technologies.
How to showcase: List your proficiency in specific tools, software, or programming languages, and mention certifications or training you’ve completed.
15. Customer Focus
Many jobs require interaction with customers or clients, and employers want candidates who can provide excellent service, solve customer issues, and represent the company in a positive light.
How to showcase: Mention roles where you engaged with customers, solved their problems, or enhanced their experience with your product or service.
16. Self-Motivation
Self-motivated individuals are driven to accomplish tasks without needing constant supervision. Employers value candidates who are proactive and capable of setting their own goals and standards for success.
How to showcase: Provide examples of how you took charge of your own career development or went above and beyond in your responsibilities.
17. Accountability
Employers want candidates who take responsibility for their actions and results. Accountability means owning your successes and failures, learning from mistakes, and working to improve.
How to showcase: Share examples where you took ownership of a project or admitted to a mistake and took steps to resolve it.
18. Curiosity
Curiosity drives innovation and learning. Employers appreciate candidates who are curious about their field, eager to learn new things, and constantly looking to grow their knowledge and skills.
How to showcase: Talk about professional development courses, workshops, or certifications you pursued outside of your job responsibilities.
19. Conflict Resolution
Workplace conflicts can arise, and employers want candidates who can resolve them professionally. Strong conflict resolution skills help maintain a positive and productive work environment.
How to showcase: Describe instances where you successfully mediated conflicts or navigated difficult interpersonal dynamics at work.
20. Global and Cultural Awareness
In a globalized world, cultural awareness is essential, particularly if you’re working in an international or diverse company. Employers look for candidates who are open-minded, respect differences, and can collaborate with people from various backgrounds.
How to showcase: Highlight any international experience or mention how you’ve worked effectively in culturally diverse teams.
21. Analytical Thinking
Employers value candidates who can assess situations, analyze data, and make informed decisions. Analytical thinking is particularly important in roles that require problem-solving or strategic planning.
How to showcase: Mention specific instances where you used data or research to make a well-informed decision that benefited your team or company.
22. Reliability
Reliability is a core trait that every employer looks for. This includes consistently showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and delivering quality work.
How to showcase: Provide examples of long-term projects or commitments where you consistently met expectations and delivered results.
23. Passion
Passion for your field can set you apart from other candidates. Employers want to see that you’re enthusiastic about the work and that you’re driven to make an impact in your industry.
How to showcase: Discuss why you're passionate about your industry or role and how that passion has translated into your career achievements.
24. Negotiation Skills
Being able to negotiate effectively is key, whether you’re in sales, management, or customer service. Employers value candidates who can find mutually beneficial solutions in difficult conversations.
How to showcase: Provide examples of times when you negotiated a deal, settled a conflict, or worked with stakeholders to reach a favorable agreement.
25. Professionalism
Professionalism encompasses how you present yourself, communicate, and act in the workplace. Employers look for candidates who carry themselves with integrity and uphold a professional attitude in all situations.
How to showcase: Highlight your ability to remain professional, especially in challenging situations, such as handling difficult customers or high-pressure deadlines.
How do I stand out as an IT Professional?
Technology is ever-present, and IT skills are a necessity.
Whether you’re an aspiring IT professional or looking to advance in your career, you might ask yourself, How do I stand out?
The answer lies in continuous learning, building a portfolio, obtaining certifications, and networking within your industry. Let’s dive into why these elements are crucial and how you can use them to future-proof your IT career.
Why Continuous Learning is Your Best Investment
The world of IT evolves at breakneck speed. Technologies that were revolutionary five years ago are often outdated today.
Consider this: according to a 2022 Gartner report, 65% of application development will be on low-code platforms by 2024.
This means that traditional coding, while still vital, is being supplemented by faster, user-friendly platforms. To stay relevant, you need to embrace and adapt to these changes, ensuring your skill set reflects current demands.
The Growing Demand for IT Skills
According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced due to automation and technological advancements.
But here’s the silver lining: 97 million new roles will emerge, most of them requiring expertise in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. To seize these opportunities, professionals must continually upskill.
Take AI and machine learning as an example.
In 2023, the global AI market was valued at $142.3 billion, with projections suggesting it will grow to over $1.8 trillion by 2030. It’s no longer enough to know how to code; you need to understand the potential of AI and machine learning in your specific domain.
This growth is paralleled in other fields such as cybersecurity—where there’s an expected shortage of 3.5 million professionals by 2025—and cloud computing, which continues to dominate enterprise IT.
Practical Steps to Keep Learning
But how do you stay on top of these trends?
It’s simple: never stop learning. Here are some actionable steps:
- Enroll in Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud computing. These courses often provide real-world examples, projects, and certifications that can be valuable for your career.
- Follow Industry Blogs and News: Websites such as TechCrunch, Wired, or ZDNet keep you updated with the latest in tech trends. Set aside 10 minutes a day to stay informed about industry shifts.
- Read White Papers and Reports: Companies like IBM, Microsoft, and AWS regularly release industry reports on the future of cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI. These are invaluable resources that help you stay one step ahead.
By committing to lifelong learning, you position yourself not just as a participant in the IT field, but as a leader and innovator.
Why IT Certifications Are the New Degree
In IT, certifications often carry more weight than degrees. Employers want proof that you have hands-on experience with the tools and technologies relevant to their operations. A recent Global Knowledge survey found that 93% of IT decision-makers consider certified employees to be more valuable than their non-certified counterparts. And here’s the kicker: professionals with certifications can earn up to 12% more than those without.
The Most Valuable Certifications
So, which certifications are worth pursuing? It depends on your career path, but here are a few that consistently rank high in demand:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Amazon Web Services (AWS) dominates the cloud computing market, with a market share of 32% in 2023. Certification in AWS architecture is a surefire way to demonstrate expertise in building scalable cloud-based systems.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): With cybersecurity threats increasing every year, having a CISSP certification shows that you can design and manage an enterprise security program. Considering that cybercrime costs are expected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, this certification is gold for job seekers.
- Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer: Google Cloud’s market share may be smaller than AWS, but it’s growing quickly. This certification can set you apart if you’re working in data management, analysis, or AI.
- CompTIA Security+: For those just starting out in cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is an excellent foundational certification. It covers essential skills like threat management, cryptography, and network security.
Certification is More Than Just a Badge
The value of certification isn’t just about putting a shiny new badge on your LinkedIn profile.
It’s about proving that you can take on complex tasks, understand the intricacies of modern tools, and work more efficiently.
Employers will trust you more, and it often opens the door to higher-paying jobs. As of 2023, the average salary for AWS-certified professionals in the U.S. was approximately $113,000.
The Power of a Portfolio: Showing What You Know
In IT, proof beats theory every time. Employers want to see what you can do, not just what you claim to know. This is why having a portfolio of work is vital, especially for developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals.
Why a Portfolio Is Essential
A GitHub portfolio, for example, allows you to showcase your skills by sharing your code, projects, and contributions to open-source communities.
Potential employers or collaborators can see how you work in a team, your coding standards, and how you tackle real-world problems. This not only showcases your expertise but also your ability to work collaboratively and adapt to new challenges.
Consider the global open-source community, which is projected to reach $50 billion by 2030. Contributing to open-source projects not only hones your skills but also puts your work in front of a global audience, including potential employers.
What to Include in Your Portfolio
- Completed Projects: Include projects that demonstrate a variety of skills, from web development and data analysis to cybersecurity and AI applications.
- Code Contributions: Whether it’s fixing bugs or adding new features, contributing to projects like Linux, TensorFlow, or Kubernetes can significantly boost your credibility.
- Problem-Solving Challenges: Completing coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codewars can be added to your portfolio. These platforms allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in specific programming languages.
What to Include in Your CV
Your CV should highlight not only your job responsibilities but also the tangible outcomes of your work.
- Including achievements demonstrates your ability to deliver results and impact. These could be metrics like increasing efficiency, reducing costs, or launching a successful project. For each achievement, try to quantify it with numbers or percentages where possible.
- For projects, showcase the most relevant ones, especially those that align with the job you’re applying for. Highlight your role, the technologies used, and the outcomes. This is a great way to show your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills, whether in IT, software development, or cloud infrastructure management.
Networking: The Secret Ingredient to Career Growth
If you think that landing an IT job is all about your technical skills, think again. Networking is one of the most powerful tools for advancing your career.
According to a 2023 survey by Jobvite, 45% of hires are made through referrals, proving the adage, It’s not just what you know, but who you know.
Building a Professional Network
Here’s how to start building an IT-specific network:
- Attend Conferences and Meetups: Tech conferences like AWS restart, Google I/O, and DEF CON for cybersecurity professionals, are fantastic places to meet industry leaders, learn about the latest technologies, and make connections that might lead to job offers.
- Engage in Online Communities: Platforms like Meetup, Stack Overflow, GitHub, Quora and Reddit have active IT communities where you can exchange ideas, solve problems, and make valuable connections. Becoming an active participant in these spaces increases your visibility.
- Join Professional Associations: Consider joining industry groups like the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) or CompTIA, where you can attend local events, find mentors, and discover job openings.
- LinkedIn Groups: This is also a great way to network, I have not found much engagement in the groups I’m at. Normally the engagement is quite low, maybe I got unlucky.
Conclusion
Understanding what employers are looking for can help you tailor your application and interviews to stand out.
85 million jobs may disappear by 2025, but those who stay ahead of the curve will be ready for the 97 million new roles on the horizon.
Whether you’re just starting or advancing in your career, these qualities will help you succeed and thrive in any work environment.