5 Intangible Skills That Set You Apart in Your Job Search

Interview Preparation Management
#1

  1. Exhibiting Optimism
    If you think about it, practically every employer would want an optimistic employee. After all, who wants to hire a Debbie Downer? Optimistic people can help motivate a team when times get tough, and they are quicker to tackle harder assignments that others might be reluctant to take on.

  2. Being Kind
    Think a cutthroat character will help you get to the job search finish line faster? Think again. The ability to be kind is an intangible skill that can go a long way in winning over a hiring manager.
    But being kind isn’t just reserved for potential coworkers or your future boss; it’s also for everyone you meet along the way, from the security guard who gave you the building pass to the receptionist who asked for your name not once, but three times. Because believe it or not, if you’re rude or short with people, that can spread pretty quickly—and negatively impact your chances of getting hired.

  3. Being Intellectually Curious
    When an employer brings on a new staffer, they want that person to be excited about the opportunity to work for the company. But they also want something else, too—a genuine interest in the job. They want to see that you’re passionate about the position on the whole, as well as other components of the company. In short, an employer wants an employee who never stops learning and plans to stay with the company in order to grow with the position.

  4. Developing a Strong Work Ethic
    Yes, many employees start off strong when they are first hired. They show up on time, sometimes stay late, and tend to work just a little harder in order to show their devotion to their job and their company. But after a few months (or years), that can start to wane, as an employee wanders into the office late, leaves early, and begins to put out subpar work. So during your job interview, to set you apart from other candidates, show your strong work ethic by citing examples of when you’ve gone above and beyond in previous positions.

  5. Possessing Empathy and Self-Awareness
    Whether you’re working in an office full of noisy coworkers or from the quiet of your home office, being empathetic to the other members of your team (and to your boss’ needs, too) can go a long way. You need to be aware of your actions and how they affect others, from having strong communication with your colleagues to being able to pass off a project to the next team member on time.