Let’s be honest: your resume is more than just a list of past jobs and skills. Today, employers want more than a history of where you’ve worked and what software you can use—they want a person with character. Adding the right character traits to your resume can make you stand out from a sea of similar qualifications. But not just any character traits will do. You need traits that not only speak to who you are but also align with what employers are looking for.
18 Important Character Traits for Your Resume
1. Reliability
Employers want someone who will show up, put in the work, and follow through. Reliability might seem boring, but it’s incredibly valuable. It means you’re someone they can count on—no missed deadlines, no unexplained absences, no surprises. If you’re dependable, say so.
How to highlight it: Mention times when you consistently met tight deadlines, handled unexpected challenges, or simply showed up on time every single day. For example, “Consistently met deadlines on all projects, even under tight schedules.”
2. Adaptability
The workplace changes fast, and the people who can adapt without complaining are invaluable. Adaptability shows you can handle whatever gets thrown your way without panicking or losing your cool. Employers love this trait because it means less time training you on new methods, and it means you’re likely to handle change without complaint.
How to highlight it: Describe a time when you adapted to a major shift in your job, such as adopting new software, dealing with a restructuring, or managing a project change. For example, “Quickly adapted to new project management software, streamlining team coordination within a month.”
3. Initiative
Employers want people who won’t just sit back and wait to be told what to do. They’re looking for those who will take action, solve problems, and find ways to improve processes. This isn’t about overstepping boundaries; it’s about identifying areas for improvement and being proactive.
How to highlight it: Mention projects you initiated, problems you solved independently, or improvements you suggested. For example, “Identified an inefficient process in data reporting, created a streamlined workflow, reducing processing time by 20%.”
4. Strong Work Ethic
When you have a strong work ethic, you’re not just there to get a paycheck—you care about doing things well and putting in the necessary effort. This trait shows employers that you’ll be committed to doing quality work.
How to highlight it: Point out any instances where you went above and beyond the call of duty or took extra measures to ensure work quality. For example, “Frequently volunteered for extra shifts during peak periods to ensure client satisfaction.”
5. Resilience
Resilience shows you can handle setbacks, criticism, and failures without giving up or falling apart. In a world where things don’t always go smoothly, this is one of the most underrated yet highly prized traits.
How to highlight it: Mention times when you faced difficulties, such as learning from a failed project or receiving critical feedback and improving your performance. For example, “After an initial project setback, made adjustments and successfully met revised goals ahead of schedule.”
6. Collaboration
Even if you’re a solo star, every job will require working with other people at some point. Collaboration isn’t just about working together; it’s about finding ways to combine strengths, resolve conflicts, and achieve results as a team. Employers want to know that you’re a team player who can handle different personalities and share credit.
How to highlight it: Describe projects where teamwork was essential, especially if you played a key role in coordinating tasks or resolving conflicts. For example, “Co-led a cross-functional team to deliver a complex project on time and exceeded performance targets.”
7. Attention to Detail
Attention to detail can be the difference between good work and great work. This trait shows that you don’t cut corners or miss the small things that can make or break a project. Whether it’s avoiding errors or double-checking data, being detail-oriented is highly valued in almost any field.
How to highlight it: Talk about how you’ve reduced errors, streamlined processes, or caught mistakes before they became a problem. For example, “Ensured accuracy in financial reports, reducing errors by implementing a detailed review process.”
8. Accountability
People make mistakes. But what separates the pros from the amateurs is how they handle those mistakes. Accountability means owning up to errors and finding ways to make things right. Employers don’t want someone who points fingers or makes excuses; they want someone who takes responsibility.
How to highlight it: Mention times you admitted to a mistake and how you corrected it or minimized its impact. For example, “Identified and corrected a data entry error that impacted sales forecasting, promptly adjusting the process to prevent recurrence.”
9. Self-Motivation
If you can get yourself moving without someone breathing down your neck, employers will take notice. Self-motivation shows you’re driven, focused, and capable of achieving goals on your own. It’s particularly important for remote or hybrid work environments where direct supervision might be limited.
How to highlight it: Describe tasks or projects you took on independently or goals you achieved without direct oversight. For example, “Developed a new client outreach strategy, increasing engagement rates by 15% with minimal supervision.”
10. Curiosity
In a fast-evolving world, the most valuable employees are those who never stop learning. Curiosity means you’re interested in growing, improving, and keeping up with changes in your field. It’s about more than wanting to look good on paper; it’s a genuine desire to expand your knowledge.
How to highlight it: Talk about recent courses, certifications, or personal projects that demonstrate your desire to learn. For example, “Completed a digital marketing certification during off-hours to improve campaign effectiveness.”
11. Humility
Nobody likes a know-it-all, and humility is about recognizing there’s always room to learn. Humility on a resume might sound odd, but it’s a quality that signals maturity and readiness to work well with others. It tells employers you’re willing to listen, learn, and grow without letting ego get in the way.
How to highlight it: Mention any learning moments or constructive feedback you’ve received and how you applied it. For example, “Implemented feedback from team reviews, improving workflow efficiency and strengthening client relationships.”
12. Empathy
Empathy is often overlooked, but it’s essential for jobs that involve communication, customer service, or teamwork. It shows you can understand others’ perspectives, which can lead to better collaboration, conflict resolution, and client satisfaction.
How to highlight it: Describe times when empathy helped resolve a difficult situation, improved a relationship, or enhanced teamwork. For example, “Effectively managed client concerns by actively listening and addressing needs, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rating.”
13. Decision-Making
Every job requires decisions, big or small. Decision-making as a character trait on your resume shows that you’re confident in weighing options, assessing risks, and choosing a course of action without constant input from others. Employers want people who won’t freeze up when the pressure is on.
How to highlight it: Mention situations where you made quick or tough decisions that led to positive outcomes. For example, “Quickly identified a software issue during a product launch and implemented a solution that minimized downtime.”
14. Optimism
This doesn’t mean you have to be unrealistically positive about everything, but an optimistic attitude helps create a better work environment. Optimism signals that you can maintain morale, push through challenges, and inspire others to keep going.
How to highlight it: Share times when you helped uplift a team, kept a positive outlook during difficult times, or motivated others. For example, “Maintained team morale during a challenging project by fostering a positive, solution-focused atmosphere.”
15. Integrity
Integrity is one of those foundational traits that should be present in any professional. It means you’re honest, ethical, and principled in your work. Employers look for integrity because they need someone who will uphold their values and represent the company well.
How to highlight it: Mention any instances where you upheld ethical standards, made principled decisions, or built trust through honesty. For example, “Trusted to handle sensitive client data, maintaining strict confidentiality and ethical standards.”
16. Patience
Some jobs require an extra dose of patience—think customer service, teaching, or project management. If you can stay calm under pressure, take the time to solve problems thoughtfully, and handle difficult people gracefully, this is a trait worth sharing.
How to highlight it: Describe times when patience was crucial in achieving results, such as handling a challenging client or working through a long-term project. For example, “Successfully managed a difficult client relationship by listening actively and resolving concerns with patience and tact.”
17. Confidence
Confidence shows that you believe in your abilities without coming off as arrogant. Employers want someone who can take charge when needed, handle responsibilities independently, and stand up for their work or ideas. Confidence means you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on.
How to highlight it: Mention times you took initiative, made a presentation, or led a project. For example, “Led a team presentation for senior management, confidently outlining project benefits and securing additional resources.”
18. Creativity
Even in traditionally non-creative roles, creativity is valuable. It shows that you can think outside the box, find innovative solutions, and bring fresh ideas to the table. Employers want someone who can see things from different angles and isn’t afraid to try something new.
How to highlight it: Mention projects where you implemented new ideas or solved problems with a creative approach. For example, “Developed an out-of-the-box marketing strategy that increased engagement by 25%.”
Adding the right character traits to your resume is about showing potential employers that you’re not just qualified—you’re the kind of person they’ll want on their team. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re valuable assets that can distinguish you in a highly competitive job market.
