When applying for a job, you want to show your potential employer that you have not only the skills and qualifications they need, but also the right attitude and personality to fit in their organisation. A positive mindset is one of the most sought-after traits in any candidate, as it shows that you are proactive, adaptable, accountable, honest and trustworthy. But how do you convey your positive mindset in your CV? Here are some tips and examples to help you stand out from the crowd.
Show Your Accountability
Accountability means that you take responsibility for your actions and decisions, and that you strive to do your best in every task you are assigned. Employers value accountability because it shows that you are reliable, committed and quality-oriented. To show your accountability in your CV, you can:
- Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements to describe your past roles and projects. For example, instead of saying “Worked on a marketing campaign”, say “Planned and executed a successful marketing campaign that increased sales by 15%”.
- Highlight any extra steps you took to ensure the quality of your work, such as checking for errors, seeking feedback, or following up with clients or stakeholders.
- Mention any awards, recognitions or promotions you received as a result of your performance or initiative.
Show Your Adaptability
Adaptability means that you can cope with changes and challenges in your work environment, and that you are flexible and willing to learn new skills or take on new responsibilities. Employers value adaptability because it shows that you are resilient, resourceful and open-minded. To show your adaptability in your CV, you can:
- Group your past jobs or roles into themes or categories that reflect your transferable skills and experience. For example, if you have worked in different fields or sectors, such as retail, administration and construction, you can group them under headings like “Customer Service Roles”, “Administrative Roles” or “Construction Roles”.
- Emphasise how your skills and experience in one field or sector helped you to improve or gain new skills and experience in another field or sector. For example, if you moved from retail to administration, you can mention how your customer service skills helped you to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues in an office setting.
- Mention any changes or improvements you made or contributed to in your past roles or projects, such as implementing new systems, processes or methods, solving problems or overcoming obstacles.
- Mention any training, courses or certifications you completed or are currently pursuing to update or expand your skills and knowledge.
Show Your Commitment
Commitment means that you are dedicated to your work and goals, and that you are loyal and trustworthy to your employer and colleagues. Employers value commitment because it shows that you are motivated, consistent and dependable. To show your commitment in your CV, you can:
- Use positive adjectives and adverbs to describe your attitude and work ethic, such as “eager”, “willing”, “gung-ho”, “enthusiastic”, “passionate”, “diligent”, “hard-working”, “proactive”, “self-motivated” or “driven”.
- Mention any projects or tasks that required a high level of effort, time or persistence from you, and how you achieved or exceeded the expected results or outcomes.
- Mention any voluntary work, extracurricular activities or hobbies that demonstrate your interest and involvement in the field or sector you are applying for, or that showcase your skills and personality.
Show Your Honesty
Honesty means that you are truthful and ethical in your work and interactions, and that you respect the rules and values of your employer and profession. Employers value honesty because it shows that you are trustworthy, reliable and respectful. To show your honesty in your CV, you can:
- Avoid exaggerating or lying about your skills, qualifications or experience. Instead, focus on highlighting your strengths and achievements with concrete examples and evidence.
- Avoid using generic or vague statements that do not reflect your specific contributions or accomplishments. Instead, use specific details and numbers to demonstrate your impact and value.
- Avoid copying or plagiarising content from other sources. Instead, use your own words and voice to express yourself and showcase your personality.
Show Your Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness means that you can be trusted with confidential matters and sensitive information, and that you protect the interests and reputation of your employer and profession. Employers value trustworthiness because it shows that you are responsible, discreet and loyal. To show your trustworthiness in your CV, you can:
- Mention any tasks or projects that involved handling confidential data or information, such as financial records, customer details or contracts.
- Mention any tasks or projects that involved representing your employer or profession to external parties, such as clients, partners, media or public.
- Mention any tasks or projects that involved following ethical standards or codes of conduct, such as data protection, anti-corruption or anti-discrimination.
Conclusion
A positive mindset is a valuable asset for any job seeker, as it can help you to stand out from the crowd and impress your potential employer. By showing your accountability, adaptability, commitment, honesty and trustworthiness in your CV, you can demonstrate that you have the right attitude and personality to fit in their organisation and contribute to their success. For more tips and advice on how to write a winning CV, visit Wantokjobs.com, the leading online job portal in Papua New Guinea. You can also find the latest news and trends on employment and HR issues in PNG and elsewhere on their website and social media channels.
