Nervous about interviewing for a job? Don’t be. Prepare to show off these must-have traits and you're sure to win!

There is a well-known saying within the recruitment industry – “Recruit for attitude and train for skill.” Having the right education and skills might get you an interview, but it’s your attitude, and your soft skills, will that get you hired. Take a look at these key traits and make sure you portray them at your next interview.

1. Enthusiasm: Everyone loves a candidate full of enthusiasm and good energy – it’s contagious and will leave the interviewer energised.  

2. Manners matters: Remember to dress the part and show positive body language by sitting up straight, making eye contact and smiling.   

3. Be mature: Mature employees know how to focus and concentrate on delivering results; something all employers love.

4. Good judgement: An employer tests your judgement by asking you questions that start with “tell me about a situation or a time when...”

5. Are you loyal? If you show your employers that you can be loyal to something, whether it’s a cause, a company or a sport, they’ll like you.

6. Positive and vibrant. A positive employee is always more welcomed than one who is always feeling down. Positive employees are also more approachable and easier to get along with.

7. Do you do more than what is required? If you can demonstrate to the interviewer that you can and want to do more than what is expected of you, you’re on the right track.

8. Can you graciously handle criticism? The typical question that tests this is, “What are your weaknesses?” As a professional you have to be able to recognise the areas that need work and identify what you could do to change your weakness into strengths.   

9. Are you a team player? Interviewers want to know that you’re a good fit for the team and are a team player.

10. How smart are you? A successful candidate answers questions clearly, in full sentences and with good grammar and pronunciation.

11. Time is important. Are you punctual? If not, you should polish up these skills; punctuality matters in the working world.

12. Resilience. Do you break down or persevere through tough times? Interviewers ask questions that demonstrate you can work under pressure, so think of a few examples before the big day.

13. It’s in the detail. Before sending off your CV, check it once, twice and a third time just to be sure there are no spelling or grammar errors. Interviewers pay attention to this.

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