Uploaded December 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Your ability to obtain and hold a job depends a lot on your personal qualities. Employers put a high value on people who show responsibility, put forth a high level of effort, and show they can keep working toward a goal.
Some jobs also put a premium on self-esteem. If you're going to instruct or represent other people or stand up to criticism, you need to believe in your own self worth.
For example, a referee has to maintain a good view of him or herself, even when people on the sidelines loudly disagree with the call.
Other careers emphasize sociability. Friendliness and adaptability work well for flight attendants and understanding others. The ability to empathize is important throughout life, but it's particularly useful in fields where others must be guided, soothed, or comforted.
Do you like to work on your own? First, you need the ability to set and pursue goals. Then you need to have the self control to stay focused on the job at hand, when no one is watching.
These characteristics would serve you well as a writer or forest ranger, or in any other job where you're your own supervisor.
One personal quality that everyone should strive to achieve is honesty. It's especially important to be a person of integrity. If you handle other people's money, enforce laws, or provide spiritual guidance.
Of course we all bring our values to every job we do, and all employers want to know their employees can be trusted.
Your ability to obtain and hold a job depends a lot on your personal qualities. Employers put a high value on people who show responsibility, put forth a high level of effort, and show they can keep working toward a goal.
Some jobs also put a premium on self-esteem. If you're going to instruct or represent other people or stand up to criticism, you need to believe in your own self worth.
For example, a referee has to maintain a good view of him or herself, even when people on the sidelines loudly disagree with the call.
Other careers emphasize sociability. Friendliness and adaptability work well for flight attendants and understanding others. The ability to empathize is important throughout life, but it's particularly useful in fields where others must be guided, soothed, or comforted.
Do you like to work on your own? First, you need the ability to set and pursue goals. Then you need to have the self control to stay focused on the job at hand, when no one is watching.
These characteristics would serve you well as a writer or forest ranger, or in any other job where you're your own supervisor.
One personal quality that everyone should strive to achieve is honesty. It's especially important to be a person of integrity. If you handle other people's money, enforce laws, or provide spiritual guidance.
Of course we all bring our values to every job we do, and all employers want to know their employees can be trusted.
