Personal traits in the job search

Naturally, different jobs require different personality traits. It is therefore important to consider what traits your dream job requires, and, equally, what traits employers are searching for.

Some jobs will require obvious personality traits, whilst the connection in others is less clear. For example, being an art teacher in a school would draw upon your reserves of creativity – but not necessarily in terms of artistic expression. Your ability to create learning opportunities that stimulate, support and engage students, as well as being able to work to pre-determined learning criteria, are more far important than artistic skill. So, instead, an art teacher might need to be non-judgemental, enthusiastic and goal-directed.

Alongside job-specific personality traits, there are also some more general traits that are highly valued by today's employers. These include the ability to respond to change, decision-making skills, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and communication skills. It is important to understand these traits and be able to recognise or attempt to develop them in yourself.