Your skills will get you the interview, but your attributes will get you the job

Knowing the core parts of your work ethic and being that match the job needs will set you apart

People focus on skills over attributes in interviews. But attributes are what will differentiate you.

• Attributes are what you want your reputation built around

  • Creativity (you cannot learn this)

  • Integrity (it is hard to gain this when you do not have it)

  • Intelligence (developing this is a journey)

• Skills are what you want people to know you can do

  • Canva

  • Scrum 

  • Financial modeling

The Top Grading diagram is a great way to differentiate attributes versus skills quickly. If it’s red, it is an attribute. If it is green, it is a skill. If it is yellow, it’s a mix. While the diagram is not intended for this purpose (and the diagram’s intended purpose is quite good), it does provide a quick gut check.

As a founder, I have seen a lot of good and bad interviews. Remember what attributes  your potential employers are looking for and scratch their itch. Pro-tip, often the answer to both attributes and skills are hidden in the JD.

Ask chat GPT: “what personality traits make someone a great [role], for another list to sift through.

Here is a high-level rubric of attributes required for different job types:

Creative/technical jobs ➡️ Can you deliver?

• Designer

• Product manager

• Engineer

Admin jobs ➡️ Can you operate efficiently? 

• Exec assistant

• Clerk

• Office manager

Hands-on/schedule oriented job ➡️ Are you a reliable person?

• Mechanic

• Pilot

• Cosmetologist 

Sales/marketing ➡️ Can you generate revenue?

• Salesperson

• Marketing 

• Business development

Management jobs ➡️ Can you compound results by driving an excellent team?

• Design manager

• Engineering manager

• HR manager

Customer-facing jobs ➡️ Do you get why we need a good CX? And can do you that thing?

• Customer success manager

• Account manager

As you think about your attributes and skills, break down the attributes you have that will ensure the job category you fall into above will thwart you into the future.

And when you have the job, make sure your attributes shine and differentiate you — providing value to the business that only you can.

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