The difference between a good employee and a great employee is likely not their degrees, experience, or achievements at work. They're more likely to be those "softer" competencies and key qualities that make them human. While many of us have more or less adjusted to working from home, the truth remains that it’s more difficult than ever to express ourselves at work via Zoom and other remote mediums. Your character traits, which define who you are and how you behave in particular situations, are tough to convey through a screen. Moreover, you want to ensure you portray your best qualities whenever possible.

3 Key Characteristics of a Good Employee

So, what do you think are the most important character traits that set you apart from your colleagues? Moreover, which character traits matter to employers? According to The Big Five Personality Test, almost every positive character trait can be characterized beneath the "Big Five" positive personality qualities. The Big Five Personalities Are: Agreeableness Conscientiousness Extroversion Neuroticism Openness While taking this quiz can be a great place to assess your personality, there are always improvements to make and skills to develop. Let's unpack some positive character traits, soft skills, and qualities employers love to see exemplified in their best employees. We'll also take it one step further by showing you how to show your qualifications to a hiring manager or recruiter through the interview process. Here are the best positive character traits we think you should illustrate on your resume, cover letter, job interview, and—quite frankly—throughout your entire career.

Pro Tip: As an employee (and a human), showcasing every skill mentioned in this article is unnecessary. Focus on the 3-5 skills that you already possess or that would be advantageous in your career.

1. Dependable

One of the easiest characteristics to cultivate despite our virtual workspace is dependability. If you continue to meet deadlines, arrive at meetings on time, work cooperatively and respectfully, and submit work that is above average, you can easily cultivate a reliable persona in the office. While much of this may seem small, the truth is that your boss and coworkers will nevertheless notice when these traits are absent. As such, it’s low-hanging fruit, particularly now, to build a dependable mindset. Related Skills: Teamwork skills Self-motivation related positive character traits How to Show Dependability on Your Resume or Cover Letter “Even during unexpected circumstances, such as my manager taking FMLA during the COVID-19 pandemic, my coworkers were always able to depend on me to step up to new and challenging tasks.” “All of my former bosses have admired my reliability—I never miss a meeting or deadline and can be depended on during stressful situations.” 2. Motivated + Strong Work Ethic On the other side of the spectrum, motivation is one of the more difficult traits to exhibit on-screen. How do you *show* your self-motivation? But your motivation and commitment to your work can come across in your enthusiasm at team meetings, your continued work ethics, and your initiative to lead. Your motivation can also be displayed in one-on-one discussions with coworkers where your infectious energy can be passed on. A motivated employee is cognizant of the bigger picture, focusing not just on their own success but rather the goals for the entire company. While showcasing this trait may be a bit tougher, it will certainly help you stand out from your peers in a way that dependability may not. How to Show Motivation on Your Resume or Cover Letter “I am highly motivated, constantly seeking new projects and assisting with tasks whenever possible, even if I have to learn a new skill to help the team.” “When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I kept my team motivated by understanding what they needed, stepping up to offer them flexibility and PTO in order to encourage creativity and motivation when they were working.”

2. Independent

Every workplace loves a team player, but independence shows courage and direction. Independent employees get work done without needing constant reminders from coworkers or check-ins with their manager. If you spend one-on-one time with your colleagues going over upcoming deadlines, chances are you’re not regarded as particularly independent. Moreover, independent employees structure their time efficiently—and convey that, too! Instead of just focusing on a task during a certain time frame, block that period off on your work calendar and organize your day so that your colleagues can also check and see that you’re taking the initiative to get tasks done, independently. This is particularly helpful given that when you're working remotely, it’s nearly impossible for your boss and coworkers to get a full sense of the work you’re completing independently. But, in taking charge of your schedule, you can showcase independence that is otherwise difficult to convey. How to Show Independence on Your Resume or Cover Letter “I am a self-directed learner who takes the initiative in joining or leading new projects, seeks out new courses to improve my skills independent of the team, and completes tasks without constant reminders.” “One of my greatest strengths is efficiently managing my schedule, blocking out time to focus on tasks, and independently moving projects forward.” Mention on your resume that you feel confident making decisions and have the ability to work without close supervision.

3. Empathetic

Empathy goes a long way. This personality trait distinguishes leaders from followers. Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, understand their circumstances, and amplify others is crucial in today's workplace. Empathetic employees showcase skills like active listening, personal understanding, and interpersonal expertise that allow them to work well with most anyone. People can feel when you’re being genuine, so it’s tough to “fake it till you make it” with this character trait, but it's essential in every arena. How to Show Empathy on Your Resume or Cover Letter “As a leader, I have found that empathy and compassion have been most useful in connecting with my team, directing them to success.” “During a complicated project I oversaw, I sought to understand the struggles of my peers, channeling my empathetic nature into flexible policies that helped my coworkers thrive.” On a resume, point out that you have an excellent grasp of customer needs. You can also emphasize interpersonal skills or attentive listening on a resume. 6. Flexible Flexibility is one of the most important character traits. The ability to pivot from one project to the next due to unexpected deadlines, or being flexible and available to talk to clients on the fly, or just being open to work remotely are all useful qualities to have as a coworker. In a virtual environment, this is perhaps one of the easiest personality traits to emphasize and improve upon. Maintaining an adaptable nature that meets new situations with a positive attitude won’t go unnoticed or unrewarded. How to Show Flexibility on Your Resume or Cover Letter “As a flexible employee, I was able to transition from [function] to [different function] in order to support and empower all members of my team. This resulted in [successes].” “During a recent organizational realignment, I worked closely and flexibly with management to ensure that we all transitioned to new teams and processes as seamlessly as possible.” “I can prioritize time-sensitive tasks, even unexpected ones, without disrupting my original plans for the workday.”