Old-Fashioned Trait Could Land You a Job

 The term is coming back. 

Yes, Forbes explicitly tells job searchers "character" gives them the edge in getting hired. That can override the usual credentials on your resume. 

More often, though, what we Boomers used to refer to as "character" goes by labels, documents the Express Employment Professionals - Harris poll such as:

Reliability

Honesty 

Self-motivation

Adaptability.

Okay then, how do hiring managers screen you for those traits? 

Well, it likely won't be within the formal interview process. Most often they pick up if you have character in:

How you treat administrative personnel at their workplace. That goes back to the culture fundamental of interacting with the boss' assistants with deference. 

What comes out in small talk. What do you really care about? Instead of framing the data center issue in your community in abstractions, you show concern for the electric/water bills of those living there. You're protective of animals. 

Tone in emails, texts. Are you respectful of people's time? Have you reviewed message for spelling and grammar? 

Accepting upsets, as in scheduling. You understand how unpredictable the flow of operations is. 

In tarot readings I have observed over and over again that the successful recognize that who they are as human beings overrides skill sets. The common saying among employers is that you can train and mentor the How of the job. But you can't implant character. It's too late for that once someone enters the labor market. 

Careers. Forget all that. It’s about earning a good living, no matter what.

Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova, StreetSmart Coaching (janegenova374@gmail.com)


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