!#5: What Makes a Great Employee? 5 Characteristics You Should Cultivate

!±8± What Makes a Great Employee? 5 Characteristics You Should Cultivate

If you want to stay in work during an economic downturn, you need to become a great employee. Great employees will stand a much better chance of keeping their current jobs if the company is forced to cut back on staff.

And if you are a great employee, but the worst case scenario does arise and your employer has no choice but to make your post redundant, you will have a very high chance of finding another job quickly.

But what exactly makes a great employee?

Characteristic #1

The first requirement is being exceptionally good at your job. This is often something which comes with time and experience, but you can still be very good at your job if you are just starting out. As long as you do everything to the best of your ability and are willing to learn, act on constructive criticism and improve your skills, you will be considered a great employee.

Characteristic #2

Being good at your job isn't necessarily the same as being very well qualified, although of course, qualifications help and in many jobs are essential. The willingness to learn on the job and to complete additional training can be just as significant as already having the right pieces of paper. This is because attitude is important to employers. You can be the most highly qualified person in the company, but if you have a negative attitude towards work or your colleagues, you won't create a good impression.

Characteristic #3

Getting on well with other people is also crucial in most jobs. Unless you are working alone in a remote location, there is a high likelihood that you will be required to communicate with other people at some point. Even those who work alone are likely to have some communication by phone or email. Being able to put people at ease, create a good atmosphere and be generally helpful and pleasant will be appreciated by employers and your co-workers.

Characteristic #4

Enthusiasm is another characteristic which employers are looking for. Enjoying your job and being motivated to get results will make you very desirable as an employee.

Characteristic #5

The ability to add value to the company is another excellent quality to bring to a job. If you are able to go beyond the requirements of your job description you will be a valued member of staff. If you can act on your own initiative and make improvements in the day to day work of the organization, you will be noticed. This doesn't have to be earth-shattering. Simple changes which increase efficiency or save money or time can make a big difference to a firm.