101 Strongest Attributes to list on a Resume (with Examples)

Strong attributes you can use to demonstrate your personal character and employability skills include: thoughtfulness, ambition, dependability, integrity, and innovation.

But keep in mind, when talking about ‘your strongest attributes’, you need to self-reflect and be honest with yourself. Everyone is going to have a few personal attributes that stand out as their best character traits. Make sure you mention the attributes that you genuinely have, don’t just make them up.

With that said, have a look at some of the below attributes that might resonate with you and your own personality.

Strongest Attributes

1. Ambition

I tend to find that the best workers – be it employees or students – are highly ambitious. They want to succeed. This gives them that drive they need to work hard, exceed, and get ahead.

So, those people who can prove their ambition tend to have a better chance for me to shortlist them for the job.

Ambition can also help you to get ahead in life in general. Ambitious people are going to try harder, want to demonstrate their worth, and look for ways to add value in order to get what they want. They’ll persevere long after others have given up, and that’s why they’re winners.

Go Deeper: Ambition Examples

2. Integrity

Integrity is more than just honesty; it’s about keeping commitments, being transparent, owning up to mistakes, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching^[4].

People who exhibit integrity are the ones who get prioritized in my selection list. I know I can trust them.

Not only do these people prove themselves to be trustworthy, but they also set a positive example for their peers and create an environment where ethical actions are valued and appreciated. Having these people in my environment – whether my workplace or friendship groups – helps to promote the sort of moral culture I like to cultivate.

Go Deeper: Integrity Examples

3. Dependability

Dependability is about being reliable and consistent in all actions and commitments.

People with this attribute can be counted on to do what they say they will (here’s where it overlaps with integrity above).

Dependability is not just about showing up on time, but about delivering quality work consistently and being someone others can rely on.

Such individuals are golden to me – I need people in my orbit who I can rely upon.

In jobs or in life, dependable people keep their word. They deliver on promises. They ensure tasks or responsibilities assigned to them are completed effectively and punctually. They become the backbone of any team, driving success through consistency and reliability.

Go Deeper: Dependability Examples

4. Innovation

Innovation entails the ability to think outside of the box and implement fresh, new ideas to generate solutions and advancements.

People who have this quality bring something new to the table, and therefore, are a value-add to any organization.

Those who possess the gift of innovation are able to challenge the status quo. Innovation drives them to continuously improve this world.

These creative minds are the drivers of change that can foster growth and success in organizations or even in entrepreneurship. Their unique, often pioneering thinking pushes boundaries and enables both them and those around them to reach new heights.

5. Thoughtfulness

Thoughtfulness is the quality of being mindful or considerate. A thoughtful person is able to anticipate needs and shows attentiveness to the feelings or comforts of others.

It’s a quality that I highly value because these people make careful but high-quality decisions.

People who display thoughtfulness are known for their ability to nurture relationships, be it personal or professional. They consider others’ perspectives, are sensitive to their needs, and readily offer their support.

Thoughtful people offer a humane touch to every interaction, which contributes positively to team harmony and collaborative work environments. Their considerate nature can help to boost morale and increase productivity, making them integral members of any social or professional group.

6. A Team Player

Being a team player means that you place team objectives above personal goals, work effectively within the group, and actively support your teammates.

Having this quality is invaluable to me because it means this person doesn’t just think about themselves – they think about the people around them and the bigger goals than just their own.

The strength of any group lies in how well its members work together. Team players foster collaboration, promote open communication, and contribute to a positive work culture^[5]. Their spirit of cooperation and mutual support can conquer obstacles and lead to the success of the entire crew. Their loyalty isn’t just to the cause, but to their fellow team members as well.

Go Deeper: Team Player Examples

7. A Growth Mindset

The term ‘growth mindset‘, coined by Carol Dweck^[1], refers to the belief that your own talents can be developed and improved through hard work.

This is the opposite of a fixed mindset – a belief that you can’t improve.

Fixed mindsets are a big red flag. Growth mindsets are a strength because people with a growth mindset are always looking for ways to improve. If you find one way to incrementally improve each and every day, you’ll succeed in whatever you put your mind to.

This simple mindset hack is an enormously important personal attribute that will get you a long way in life.

On top of this, a growth mindset bolsters resilience and fosters innovation. People with a growth mindset have the potential to be leaders and influencers, driving positive changes in every space they enter. Their refusal to stagnate ensures that they – and their surrounding environment – are always advancing.

8. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the capacity to think clearly and logically, approaching problems and arguments with a rational and analytical mindset.

It’s an ideal trait in a person because it signifies the presence of quick thinking, sound judgement and a high level of intelligence.

Critical thinkers can assess situations from multiple perspectives, ask the right questions, and draw reliable conclusions from their analysis.

They are often the decision-makers and problem-solvers in any team. Their ability to dissect complicated scenarios and make informed choices not only makes them an asset to any organization but also helps them navigate life’s challenges with a calm and level-headed approach. Resilience is built in their DNA, assisting them in finding practical solutions in the face of adversity.

Go Deeper: Critical Thinking Examples

9. Work Ethic

Work ethic means that you have a strong commitment to your job or duties, demonstrated through reliability, dedication, productivity, and discipline^[3].

This quality is prioritized by me because a solid work ethic often results in high-quality results. I know people with work ethic are going to do their absolute best every single day, setting high personal standards for themselves.

People with a strong work ethic are typically the go-getters. They’re committed to their roles and responsibilities, always willing to put in the required effort. Their drive, consistency and focus help them to meet deadlines, exceed expectations, and make significant contributions to their team’s success.

Go Deeper: Work Ethic Examples

10. Humility

Humility is the ability to acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and move on. These people gain great respect and are seen as wise.

This attribute also involves refraining from boasting about one’s accomplishments and recognizing others’ skills and contributions^[2].

Furthermore, humble people are teachable, meaning they are going to grow and improve over time.

People demonstrating humility are typically open-minded and receptive to feedback. They realize that they don’t have all the answers and are always willing to learn from others, regardless of position or status.

In a team setting, humble people enhance cooperation and mutual respect. They understand the importance of everyone’s contributions to the success of a project. Their absence of ego and willingness to share the spotlight foster unity, enrichment, and ultimately, success.

Go Deeper: Humility Examples

Full List of Strong Attributes

References

[1] Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

[2] Johnson, M. K., Rowatt, W. C., & Petrini, L. (2011). A new trait on the market: Honesty–Humility as a unique predictor of job performance ratings. Personality and Individual differences, 50(6), 857-862.

[3] Meriac, J. P. (2015). Examining relationships among work ethic, academic motivation and performance. Educational Psychology, 35(5), 523-540.

[4] Huberts, L. W. (2018). Integrity: What it is and Why it is Important. Public Integrity, 20(sup1), S18-S32.

[5] Curseu, P. L., Ilies, R., Virga, D., Maricutoiu, L., & Sava, F. A. (2019). Personality characteristics that are valued in teams: Not always “more is better”?. International Journal of Psychology, 54(5), 638-649.