Personality Blog

What are companies looking for when they hire a new employee? What makes a 5 star worker? Naturally, a lot depends on the job. Nonetheless, there are some basic qualities and characteristics sought by the corporate world, law enforcement, government agencies and small businesses. If you were hiring, what would you look for in the ideal employee? Probably some of the same qualities deemed valuable by HR departments everywhere.

No doubt you would choose someone who was pleasant, cooperative, a team player, dependable, intelligent, self-motivated, consistent, enthusiastic, optimistic, had a “get ‘er done” attitude, wanted to grow as an employee, followed through on tasks and communicated effectively. There is one thing I would add to that list - a good sense of humor. Life is entirely too short to not see the irony and humor in all situations, especially work. If you can laugh at something, including yourself, you will defuse many otherwise stressful situations. A cheerful, optimistic individual with a keen sense of humor is worth his or her weight in petroleum products.

People skills rank at the top of most employers “want list.” According to advisors in the Iowa University Engineering Department interpersonal skills are essential in the workplace.

Interpersonal skills involve how one functions with other people. The golden rule of interpersonal skills is to treat other people as you want them to treat you. Those people who are above you on the organizational ladder are your superiors and their actions can make or break your future professional career. Treat them with respect and support them in any legal and ethical way possible. The second group is your peers (those who are parallel to you) in the organization. Support them and they will support you in return.

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