Strengths and weaknesses in summary examples. Strengths of a person's character: an objective assessment and work on oneself. Personal qualities: strengths

One of the most important components of a successful job search is a well-written resume. This small document is designed to distinguish the applicant from other applicants for the position and to interest a potential employer. It is important not only to accurately indicate age, education and work experience, but also personal qualities in the resume. Real-life examples show that recruiters and managers have been seriously paying attention to this information lately. You can seek help from specialists or try to do it yourself.

Important nuances

Before choosing which personal qualities to indicate in a resume, examples and samples you need to study, familiarize yourself with the basic rules for filling out this section.

  • Any information must be reliable and truthful. Deception will sooner or later be revealed anyway, so you should not lead by the nose either those around you or yourself.
  • Personal qualities should be stated briefly and clearly. However, you should not use only hackneyed general phrases that do not carry any specific information for a potential employer.
  • This section, like the entire resume as a whole, must be written correctly, without errors and colloquial vocabulary.
  • As a rule, they are asked to indicate the five most important personal qualities, so there is no need to overdo it and list everything in a row. It is necessary to carefully analyze which particular traits of character or behavior can be useful for a particular profession or position. For example, an economist does not have to be creative at all, but the ability to get out of conflict situations is very useful for a salesperson.

Groups and Templates

Personal qualities for a resume can conditionally be divided into several groups, each of which has its own template phrases.

  • Work and official duties. These include: high efficiency and diligence, purposefulness or focus on results, analytical skills, determination, responsibility, ability to adapt, discipline.
  • Relationships with people. Templates: sociability, friendliness, stress resistance and non-conflict, the ability to convince, the ability to work in a team, justice, politeness, competent speech.
  • Creative thinking and development. Possible options: easy learning, desire for development, desire for self-improvement, creativity, creative approach, resourcefulness.
  • Character features. Typical expressions: perseverance, attentiveness, accuracy, activity, punctuality, decency, cheerfulness.

Personal qualities in a resume: examples of writing for some professions and positions

There are many template phrases that can be used when compiling a questionnaire. The employer carefully examines the personal qualities in the resume.

Leader example:

  • focus on the result of the work of the whole team;
  • the ability to persuade and direct; the ability to quickly analyze the situation and make decisions;
  • stress tolerance;
  • increased performance.

Accountant: attention to detail, scrupulousness when working with documents, the ability to easily learn and adapt when changing legal requirements, perseverance, decency.

Lawyer: literacy, the ability to find, memorize and analyze the amount of information, perseverance when working with documents, the ability to make decisions quickly, contact.

Secretary: pleasant and well-groomed appearance, competent speech and good diction, ability to communicate, ability to smooth conflict situations, promptness, accuracy.

It is very important to correctly describe personal qualities for professions that involve working with people (managers, salespeople, consultants, etc.). You can use the sample to write a resume.

Personal qualities (example): sociability, the ability to easily establish contact, the ability to convince, stress resistance, non-conflict.

First work

If the resume is compiled for the first time, and the column about labor activity there is nothing to fill in yet, then in the section on the personal qualities of a specialist it is better to indicate the following:

  • desire to develop and improve;
  • fast learner;
  • good memory;
  • activity;
  • creativity and creative approach to work;
  • desire to work in a team.

However, do not forget about the relevance of qualities for a particular place of work.

Nobody is perfect

From the information presented in the previous paragraphs, it is clear how to write personal qualities in a resume. The examples above will help you understand and correctly complete this section. But what if the employer asks you to state your shortcomings?

In no case should this item be ignored and left blank. Because perfect people simply do not exist. Reluctance to indicate weak sides may alert a potential employer. In this matter, it should be remembered that some negative character traits or behaviors for some professions are simply unacceptable, but for others they do not matter or, on the contrary, can be very useful.

So, let's look at personal qualities in a resume: examples, weaknesses in a favorable light:

  • Excessive scrupulousness or perfectionism. For the organizer of the holidays or the animator, such a shortcoming, most likely, will greatly interfere with the work. But such an accountant or financier will be just a godsend for the manager.
  • Excessive activity. For professions that require perseverance (analysts, accountants, economists, accountants, seamstresses, telephone operators, etc.), this is a big drawback, but for those who are expected to "roll mountains" (managers, salespeople, journalists, etc.) ), this negative quality is actually simply irreplaceable.
  • Inability to deceive or deceive. For the seller, most likely, such a disadvantage will be significant, but an assistant manager with such weak side will suit a potential employer.
  • Having bad habits. Today, many firms and enterprises refuse to employ people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle, but a person who smokes cigarettes will fit quite harmoniously into the position of sales manager in a tobacco company.
  • Appearance. For example, extra weight can be a huge disadvantage for many professions, but for a help desk dispatcher or a telephone operator taking taxi orders, such a disadvantage does not matter, because no one will see it.

Resume at the interview

When writing your description, you should take into account the likelihood that at the interview the applicant will be asked to confirm what was written with specific actions. Therefore, it is worth seriously considering what personal qualities to indicate in the resume.

Example: a person applying for the position of an analyst wrote about his ability to quickly find any information. At the interview, he may be asked to do this in order to make sure that he has this skill in practice.

Or another example: an applicant for the position of a sales manager who easily finds an approach to people may be asked to get to know each other and take the phone number from the first person they meet.

Such checks are now very popular and are used in hiring in many large companies.

When applying for a job, employers often require a resume. Some of them, in addition to work experience, general information and enumerations of virtues are asked to indicate the weaknesses of the character. And here a dilemma arises: how to correctly reveal your shortcomings in a resume? If you think that they do not need to be indicated at all and that it is enough just to put a dash in the corresponding column, then you are deeply mistaken. In order not to get into a mess when you find yourself in a similar situation, check out what HR specialists advise on this matter.

Features of writing a resume

On the one hand, writing a few words about yourself is an easy task and does not require special knowledge and skills. However, as practice shows, those who hold this point of view are often denied employment. Therefore, the more solid the company in which you want to get a job, the more important it is to write a resume correctly.

The length of the resume is not conducive to presentation a large number information. Usually it fits on 1-2 computer sheets. Therefore, it is especially important to briefly state the necessary information that will emphasize your individuality and attract the attention of a personnel specialist. When writing a text, weigh each word and correctly present your weaknesses.

For example, if you're worried about being in a certain age group, start by listing professional qualities or work experience. Move your date of birth to the bottom of your resume. Or if your future job involves frequent business trips, and you have a small child growing up, be sure to indicate that you can leave him in the care of relatives or a nanny.

To correctly reflect your weaknesses in your resume, adopt a few basic rules.

  • Pay special attention to the style of presentation of information. The text must be written clearly and understandably. If during the interview you can convey information in different ways, then what is written will be perceived unambiguously.
  • Never ignore the column in which you need to indicate your weaknesses and character traits. This can lead to the fact that you are either written down in the category of insecure and notorious people, or considered a person with too high self-esteem.
  • Don't be afraid to be honest. The truthful reflection of information, especially regarding your weaknesses, indicates how self-critical you are and adequately assess your own strengths and weaknesses.

Examples of Weaknesses

When filling in the column about the existing shortcomings, take your time, carefully consider each phrase. If you do not know what to indicate in it, look through the options below and choose the ones that characterize you. At the same time, try to select such character traits that, if desired, can be turned into virtues.

Among the weaknesses in the summary, indicate, for example, the habit of speaking everything directly and frankly; difficulties in establishing contacts with strangers; hyperactivity and restlessness; excessive emotionality, susceptibility and impressionability; a tendency to fatalism, etc.

Try to select such character traits that, if desired, can be wrapped in virtues.

However, there is no need to be too frank. Add to one or two professional traits and a few that do not play an important role in the work activity. For example, indicate that you are afraid of flying or are overweight. You can also point out such shortcomings as excessive gullibility, a tendency to reflection, or frequent self-digging and self-criticism.

From social weaknesses, you can write that you do not fit well into the work team, because you do not like gossip, or you cannot fight back in response to boorish behavior. With a skillful approach, each flaw can really be turned into a virtue. And if among the weak character traits you indicate reliability, then this is only in the hands of the employer himself, since he will see in you a person who can be entrusted with overtime tasks.

How to present the weaknesses of the character

Some weak traits can be directly correlated with the characteristics of the profession. So, for example, for an accountant or storekeeper, such shortcomings as distrust, pedantry, inability to lie, an increased sense of responsibility, lack of diplomacy and flexibility in labor matters, can become positive in work activities. But it is better for a manager or a realtor to indicate hyperactivity, self-confidence, impulsiveness, inability to take a word and a desire to double-check the information themselves.

It should be noted that often job seekers people go to the trick and present their strengths in the resume under the guise of weaknesses. Before doing so, it is worth carefully weighing the consequences of such actions. Of course, you can point out the desire for perfectionism or excessive hard work among the weaknesses, but keep in mind that the employer can easily suspect you of insincerity.

Important nuances

Honesty is good. However, some negative features are still not worth pointing out. In no case do not write that you like to be lazy, afraid to take responsibility or unable to make decisions, not punctual, often distracted, etc. There is no need to get too carried away when listing weaknesses. It is enough to name 2-3 negative qualities. Do not use vague language and do not indicate those features that will go against the requirements of the position.

The recruiter makes the first opinion about the applicant, and, as you know, there will be no second chance to make a good first impression. Therefore, the point about the weaknesses of character often confuses the candidate.

Do I need to indicate my shortcomings in an arbitrary resume? There is no definite answer to this question, but for most vacancies this is not necessary and will not be a significant disadvantage when considering your application. However, if such a question is in the questionnaire, then ignoring it would be a big mistake.

If you fill out a resume on a job search site and there is this item, you should not skip it. You can limit yourself to writing standard 2-3 characteristics and move on to the next paragraph. But if you really want to impress, it's best to be thorough in filling out each item on your resume. If in the dialogue we can rephrase the phrase, focusing on the behavior of the HR manager, then in the resume each sentence should only speak in your favor.

By including the question of weaknesses in the questionnaire, the employer certainly does not rely on your absolute honesty. Rather, he wants to test the candidate's ability to answer questions. difficult questions, do not ignore the instructions of the head, just his adequacy. After all, if a person has nothing to tell about himself, then is he good worker and is it worth spending time on the interview.

Which answers should be avoided

So how do you answer tricky question about your shortcomings? To begin with, let's analyze what is better not to write:

  1. Do not put a dash or completely ignore this item. For a recruiter, such an act is a signal of the candidate’s inattention, a lack of desire to follow complex or unpleasant instructions from superiors, and an inability to properly evaluate oneself.
  2. Write a list of 10 or more flaws. For most companies, it is enough to indicate 2-3 qualities.
  3. Describe those aspects of character that can really interfere with the chosen work. For example, laziness, conflict, lack of punctuality, etc. will definitely not decorate your appearance in the eyes of your future boss.
  4. Frankly lie. Even if the quality you indicated in the paragraph on weaknesses will be perceived positively when evaluating the questionnaire, but in reality you do not possess it, the truth will quickly become clear and there will definitely not be any boast of deceit.

The employer is important both personal and business qualities of the employee. What abilities are more important? How to deal with negative traits? Each profession has its own characteristics. About how to do right choice and how to evaluate a future employee, we will tell in our article.

Business and personal qualities

The business qualities of an employee are his ability to perform certain labor obligations. The most important of them are the level of education and work experience. When choosing an employee, be guided by the benefits that he can bring to your company.

Personal qualities characterize the employee as a person. They become important when applicants for one position have business qualities on the same level. Personal qualities characterize the employee's attitude to work. Focus on independence: he does not have to do your job, but he must cope with his own to the fullest.

Business qualities Personal qualities
The level of education Accuracy
Specialty, qualification Activity
Work experience, positions held ambition
Labor productivity Conflict-free
Analytic skills Fast reaction
Rapid adaptation to new information systems Politeness
Fast learner Attentiveness
Attention to detail Discipline
Flexibility of thinking Initiative
Willingness to work overtime diligence
Literacy Sociability
Mathematical thinking Maximalism
Customer interaction skills persistence
Skills business communication Resourcefulness
Planning Skills Charm
Report preparation skills organization
Oratorical skills Responsible approach to work
Organizational skills Decency
Enterprise Devotion
Professional Integrity integrity
scrupulousness Punctuality
Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time Determination
Ability to make quick decisions self control
Ability to work with large amounts of information Self-criticism
strategic thinking Independence
Striving for self-improvement Modesty
Creative thinking Stress tolerance
Negotiation / Business Correspondence Tact
Ability to negotiate Patience
Ability to express thoughts exactingness
The ability to find mutual language industriousness
Ability to teach Self confidence
Teamwork skills Equilibrium
The ability to win people over purposefulness
The ability to convince Honesty
Good external data Energy
Good diction Enthusiasm
Good physical form ethics

The choice of qualities

If more than 5 characteristics are entered in the resume, this is a signal that the applicant is not able to make a competent choice. Moreover, the standard “responsibility” and “punctuality” have become commonplace, so if possible, ask what these mean. general concepts. A prime example: the phrase "high performance" could mean "the ability to work with a lot of information," while you were counting on "willingness to work overtime."

Such general concepts as "motivation to work", "professionalism", "self-control", the applicant can reveal in other expressions, more specifically and more meaningfully. Pay attention to incompatible qualities. To verify the honesty of the applicant, you can ask to illustrate with examples the characteristics indicated by him.

Negative qualities of an employee

Sometimes they are also included in the resume by the job seeker. In particular, such as:

  • Hyperactivity.
  • Excessive emotionality.
  • Greed.
  • Vindictiveness.
  • Impudence.
  • Inability to lie.
  • Inability to work in a team.
  • Restlessness.
  • Touchiness.
  • Lack of work experience/education.
  • Lack of sense of humor.
  • Bad habits.
  • Passion for gossip.
  • straightness.
  • self-confidence.
  • Modesty.
  • Weak communication.
  • The desire to create conflict.

An applicant who has written negative qualities in a resume can be honest, or maybe reckless. Such an act does not justify itself, but if you want to know the possible problems with this applicant, ask him to list his negative qualities. Be ready to give the person an opportunity to rehabilitate himself and present negative qualities in a favorable light. For example, restlessness indicates easy adaptation and quick switching from one task to another, and straightforwardness indicates the benefits that he can bring when making a deal.

Be ready to give the person an opportunity to rehabilitate himself and present negative qualities in a favorable light.

Qualities for different professions

Certain professional qualities are needed in almost all activities. You can make it easier for applicants and at the same time narrow their circle by entering information about the desired characteristics in the job advertisement. For an employee in the field of promotion or entertainment, the main qualities are communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and win people over. The list of winning qualities will also include: charm, self-confidence, energy. In the field of trade, the list of the best qualities will look like this: flexibility of thinking, customer interaction skills, ability to negotiate, work in a team, as well as quick response, courtesy, perseverance, activity.

A leader in any field should be characterized by such professional qualities as organizational skills, the ability to find a common language and work in a team, resourcefulness, conflict-free, charm and the ability to teach. Equally important are the ability to make quick decisions, self-confidence, attentiveness and balance.

The strengths of an employee working with a large amount of data (accountant or system administrator): attention to detail, accuracy, quick learner, attentiveness, organization and, of course, the ability to work with a large amount of information.

The characteristics of a secretary include a variety of positive qualities: customer interaction skills, business communication, literacy, the ability to negotiate and business correspondence, the ability to do several things at the same time. Also pay attention to good external data, attentiveness, tact and balance, diligence. In any profession, responsibility, attentiveness and stress resistance are useful. But the applicant, inscribing such qualities in the resume, does not always take them seriously.

In any profession, responsibility, attentiveness and stress resistance are useful. But the applicant, inscribing such qualities in the resume, does not always take them seriously.

Evaluation of the professional qualities of an employee

To avoid wasting time and money testing new employees, sometimes companies evaluate them before hiring. For this, even special personnel assessment centers have been created. A list of grading methods for those who prefer to do it themselves:

  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Tests. This includes conventional aptitude and aptitude tests, as well as personality and background tests.
  • Examination of the knowledge and skills of the employee.
  • Role play or case studies.

The role-playing game will help you find out in practice whether the applicant is right for you. Act out a day-to-day situation for his position and see how he copes. For example, evaluate his customer interaction skills. Let the buyer be your competent employee or yourself, and the applicant will show what he is capable of. You can set a goal for him to achieve during the game, or simply observe the style of work. This method will tell a lot more about the applicant than the column "Personal qualities" in the resume.

When deciding on the evaluation criteria, you can base on business qualities: punctuality, potential quantity and quality of work performed, experience and education, skills, etc. For greater efficiency emphasize the qualities required for the position for which the candidate being assessed is applying. To be confident in an employee, consider his personal qualities. You can independently conduct an assessment in the form of a rating of candidates, placing + and - according to certain criteria, distributing them by level or awarding points. Avoid scoring errors such as bias or stereotyping, or overweighting one criterion.

The weaknesses of a person in a resume show how objective he is in relation to himself. Rarely does anyone include such an item on their own initiative. But if the employer himself provides a questionnaire to fill out, such a question may well appear there. We will tell you what weaknesses to indicate in your resume in order to fulfill the requirement and not spoil the impression of yourself. We will also teach you how to turn them into advantages.

What flaws to indicate in a resume: an example

Do not write that they do not exist at all. Ideal people does not exist, and overly narcissists are reluctant to hire. But it is not necessary to list all the weak qualities of a person. Your task is to demonstrate that you are quite critical of yourself, and not to expose your vulnerability.

Win-win negative character traits for a resume:

  • excessive demands on oneself and others;
  • increased responsibility;
  • pedantry;
  • hyperactivity;
  • shyness;
  • incredulity.

All this is not very good for everyday life, but for work it gives significant advantages.

Sample

Weaknesses in a resume: examples of transformation into virtues

Finding your weaknesses is half the battle. The next step is to use them to your advantage. If there are free columns where you can paint the details, do it. Point out how good your shortcomings are in your resume: for example, a distrustful person will not cooperate with dubious suppliers.

If the questionnaire is concise, then these issues will be discussed at the interview. It is better to prepare for it properly. And our cheat sheet (table) will help you with this. But even if you do not plan to give explanations, it is useful to know how your manager will perceive your minuses.

My weaknesses

shy

I maintain subordination.

I will not conflict with colleagues.

I won't sit with the boss.

I can't be rude to a client.

Hyperactivity

I will not sit idle.

I will do everything and more.

I can’t sit on the sidelines when I need to take the initiative.

slowness

I will not miss important details in a hurry.

I will not bring chaos to the workflow.

I will not bore clients and colleagues.

exactingness

I will not allow myself to work half-heartedly.

I can organize a team.

I will negotiate effectively.

I will do my best to achieve results.

Reticence

I won't spend working time for a chat.

I won't talk about company business where I shouldn't.

I talk less, I do more.

Obvious flaws in a resume: examples

Some cons are better left unsaid. Especially if they go to the detriment of professional duties. So, for example, the mentioned laconicism is good for an accountant or a programmer. But a sales manager or a teacher cannot be silent, otherwise the effectiveness of his work falls.

Therefore, strengths and weaknesses must be compared with the specifics of the profession.

Inappropriate character weaknesses in a resume (examples)

Profession

Invalid cons

Supervisor

  • credulity;
  • emotionality;
  • insufficient activity;
  • shyness;
  • frivolity.

Client Relations Specialist

  • reticence;
  • irascibility;
  • slowness;
  • propensity for formalism;
  • straightness.

Lower level workers

  • ambition;
  • self-confidence;
  • stubbornness.

Representatives creative professions

  • inability to be flexible;
  • propensity for formalism;
  • lack of self-esteem;
  • pedantry.



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