Landing a great job isn’t just about what’s on your resume—it’s about how you show up, how you work with others, and how you handle challenges.

Plenty of people have the right qualifications, but not everyone has the qualities that make employers want to hire (and keep) them.

If you want to stand out in any job market, it’s not just about having the right skills. It’s about having the qualities that make hiring managers take notice—the ones that instantly make you stand out, no matter what industry you’re in.

If you’re looking to boost your career prospects, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll tackle 7 high-value traits that will make you a top choice for employers.

Master them, and you won’t just land a job—you’ll become the kind of employee every company wants to keep. Let’s dive in.

1. Emotional intelligence

In the modern workplace, emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a highly valued trait, surprisingly even more than IQ.

This is the ability to understand, manage, and effectively express your own feelings, as well as engage and navigate successfully with those of others.

Having a high EI means you’re adept in areas like empathy, self-awareness, and social skills. This is critical in any job as it helps in building strong relationships with colleagues and clients alike.

It also enhances your decision-making and problem-solving skills as you’re able to consider different perspectives and emotional responses.

To develop your emotional intelligence, here are a few strategies:

• Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to your emotions and reactions. Reflect on what triggers certain feelings and how you respond to them.
• Improve your empathy: Make an effort to understand others’ experiences and perspectives. Show genuine interest in their feelings.
• Develop better listening skills: Listening is a key part of EI. It involves not just hearing what someone says, but also understanding their non-verbal cues like tone of voice or body language.

By honing your emotional intelligence, you become a more understanding, empathetic, and effective communicator – traits that are highly sought after in any job role.

2. Adaptability

The ability to adapt to new circumstances and challenges is another trait that can make you a top choice for any job.

In the fast-paced world we live in, businesses are constantly evolving and experiencing change. New technologies pop up, market trends change, organizations undergo restructuring…there’s always a curveball or two ahead.

As an adaptable employee, you’re able to learn quickly, adjust to these changes, and continue performing effectively. You’re not resistant to change, but rather embrace it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

This trait is particularly important in roles where unpredictability is the norm, or in industries that are frequently disrupted by innovation.

One way to demonstrate adaptability is by showcasing your ability to learn new skills or tools quickly. You could also highlight experiences where you’ve had to adjust your approach or mindset due to a change in circumstances.

Overall, being adaptable shows potential employers that you’re not only resilient in the face of change but also eager to take on new challenges and opportunities. This makes you an invaluable asset to any team or organization.

3. Problem-solving skills

Regardless of the industry or the role, problems will arise, and employers value individuals who can navigate these challenges intelligently and creatively.

Problem-solving skills involve your ability to use logic, creativity, and initiative to identify the root cause of a problem and find solutions.

To develop this trait, regularly expose yourself to different scenarios that challenge your thinking and require you to come up with innovative solutions.

The more you practice solving different kinds of problems, the better you become at it. And trust me, potential employers can tell if you’re someone who can think critically and make sound  decisions. 

4. Effective communication

Effective communication is another trait that can make you a top choice for any job.

Good communicators are able to adjust their style and tone according to their audience.

They know when to talk, when to listen, and how to empathize with others. They’re also good at giving and receiving feedback in a constructive manner.

This trait is essential in all work environments as it promotes teamwork, helps avoid misunderstandings, and drives project success. It’s particularly crucial for roles that involve dealing with clients or working in teams.

To improve your communication skills, start with these:

• Practice active listening
• Focus on your non-verbal cues
• Learn how to give and receive feedback effectively’

Being an effective communicator can significantly enhance your work relationships, making you an asset in any job role.

5. Leadership abilities

Leadership abilities are another high-value trait that can make you a top choice for any job. While not every role is a leadership position, possessing leadership skills can set you apart from others.

Leaders are visionary, inspiring, and able to motivate others towards a common goal.

They have the ability to make decisions, take initiative, and take responsibility for their actions. They also know how to manage conflicts and provide guidance to their team members.

However, a good leader is not just about taking charge. It’s also about being able to work collaboratively with a team and empowering others to reach their potential.

Demonstrating leadership abilities in your job application or interview can significantly increase your chances of landing any job.

Employers value individuals who have the potential to grow within the company and lead others towards success.

6. Initiative

Do you take action and make decisions independently? Can you get things done without always needing to be told what to do?

Then you’ve got another high-value quality — initiative.

In the workplace, individuals who show initiative often come up with new ideas, find better ways of doing things, or volunteer to take on additional tasks or responsibilities. They don’t wait for opportunities but create them.

Employers value this trait as it shows your motivation to contribute positively to the organization. It also demonstrates your potential for leadership and your commitment to personal and professional growth.

To demonstrate initiative, you could highlight instances where you’ve taken the lead on a project, implemented a new idea, or taken on tasks outside your usual responsibilities.

That way, you signal to employers that you’re a proactive and dedicated individual who can add significant value to their team.

7. Positivity

Our final high-value trait that can make you a top choice for any job is positivity.

This might seem simple, but maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace can definitely influence your performance and the atmosphere around you.

Employers value positivity because it’s contagious – it can boost the mood and motivation of the entire team.

Moreover, positive people are often more open to feedback, eager to improve, and less likely to get bogged down by obstacles.

Cultivating positivity involves habits like: 

• Adopting a growth mindset
• Focusing on solutions rather than problems
• Practising gratitude
• Making an effort to bring positivity into your daily work life

Positivity can put you in the top spot because it shows that you can handle challenges, contribute to a supportive work environment, and help keep the team motivated, no matter the circumstances.

Developing your high-value traits

Having identified these seven high-value traits, the next step is to actively work on developing them. 

Start by identifying which of these traits you already possess and which ones need improvement. You can seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to gain a more objective perspective.

Next, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for each trait you wish to develop. These could be as simple as “improve my listening skills over the next month” or as ambitious as “lead a team project in the next six months”.

Finally, take action. This could involve reading self-improvement books, attending workshops or seminars, seeking mentorship, or even hiring a professional coach. The key is to continuously learn, grow and evolve.

As you embark on your journey to becoming a top choice for any job, remember to stay flexible and adaptable. The world of work is constantly changing and what’s considered a high-value trait today might evolve over time. Stay open-minded and keep learning.