Qualities that will Make You an Asset to Any Employer

• Good Communicator: Good verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills are essential in order to deliver and understand information quickly and accurately. Being a good communicator involves being able to communicate important details, information, ideas, and challenges effectively. There are many components to be a good communicator that involve listening, open-mindedness, respect, empathy, and feedback to name a few. Take the time to develop and learn the various aspects of being a good communicator.
• Self-Motivated: Taking the initiative to do something that needs to be done without being asked to do it. Working beyond the call of duty in order to meet goals or solve problems. Supervisors take notice of employees who are productive and anticipate problems ahead of time and bring solutions to the table.   
• A Contributor: If you can initiate a new policy or procedure that saves time, money or increases customer satisfaction, make that suggestion. An employer will be turned off by an employee who cares more about what they can get from the job then what they can give to the job. 
• Adaptable: In this ever-changing world, employees are often asked to learn new programs, take on new responsibilities, or may be moved to another department within an organization. Those willing to adjust to new environments and learn new skills, task and responsibilities while performing their best in a changing environment are highly valued in any organization.
• Responsible: Follow through on what you say you’ll do whether it is for your supervisor, co-worker, or the customer. Keep in mind that when something goes wrong, most people blame others. A responsible employee, however, is not afraid to take ownership and admit their mistakes. 
• Detail-Oriented: The more care you put into every detail of what you do, the more your supervisor will be able to focus attention elsewhere. Being detail-oriented shows employers that you care about the job you are doing. In addition, realize that your job duties impact others. Your mistakes can cause more work for coworkers. Understand that you can make your coworkers’ jobs more difficult if you perform work in a careless manner.  
• Disciplined and Punctual: it is important to be a punctual, disciplined, and conscientious employee. Arriving late, taking too many breaks, not turning in assignments on time, too many absences, and leaving earlier than the usual hours will not put you in a good light with an employer or coworkers.
• Helping Others: Everyone can use some assistance every now and then. Reach out and offer your help if you notice a coworker or your supervisor can use some extra help on a project or task. This builds positive relationships with coworkers and your supervisor and establishes you as a team player.
• Polite: Be friendly and approachable with everyone. Greet coworkers with a ‘Good Morning’ and be courteous by saying ‘Thank You’ and ‘You’re Welcome’. Make the time to acknowledge your coworkers.  
• Ethical: A good employee follows the policies and procedures of the organization not just when someone is watching, but all the time. They also inspire others to act ethically as well and have the courage to hold others accountable.   
• Positive Attitude: Employees who come into work optimistic and energetic everyday are more productive than workers who think and behave negatively. Negativity and a bad attitude are contagious and can destroy morale and harm an organization. 
• Don’t Gossip: Safeguard and protect the confidential nature of office business, transactions and customers involved in your scope of work. In addition, regardless of how you feel about your supervisor or coworkers, keep your opinion to yourself at work. If you need to vent or process something that occurred, do it with people outside the office. If you have a real issue with someone at your job (including your supervisor), communicate and address it with them directly in a professional manner.

Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression when you start a new job. Putting your best foot forward on your first day and throughout your time with the organization can have a positive impact in your professional life. By exhibiting these positive qualities, you’ll be showing your new coworkers and supervisor how valuable you will be as a team member. Wishing you all the success on your new job!



About the Author: Susan Davidson

Susan Davidson is a Community Service Professional with extensive experience in program management and development, community outreach, and providing leadership to staff, volunteers, and teams. She has a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of youth and young adults and has had the privilege to work with them throughout her career and while volunteering in the community. During her professional tenure she has interviewed, hired, onboarded, coached, and mentored youth for a variety of positions in programs she has managed. She utilized her knowledge and experience to develop a comprehensive workshop and curriculum entailing topics on how to interview successfully and how to be an asset to an employer. She is sharing her information for the YES blog because she knows firsthand the benefits to youth who participate in YES programs and the positive impact the program has on their clients.