At Extra Space Storage, we believe in the core values of Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Teamwork, and Passion, and we use those values as a compass when looking for job candidates.
Employers often look for the possession of certain valuable traits in the candidates they interview to ensure they make the right selection when hiring for open positions. These traits go beyond intelligence and basic communication skills, delving deeper into qualities that indicate the candidate will be a great addition to the team.
In no particular order, here are the eight traits employers are really looking for when recruiting:
Comfortable Confidence
Employers want to hire professionals who are comfortable with themselves. These professionals know who they are and what they want. They are confident, but never cocky. They are friendly, engaging, and, as a result, a pleasure to be around.
Willingness to Listen & Learn
Employers obviously want to hire professionals who have the skills necessary to do the job. However, that doesn’t mean there will never be anything they need to learn. Know-it-alls are rarely appreciated. Humility (and humanity) often is.
Adaptability
In some fields, a job is changing and evolving day by day. Employers want to hire adaptable professionals who can change with it. This may mean someone who can follow directions one day and figure out their own direction the next. Or perhaps someone who can spend some days behind their desk and other days in the field, equally productive in both environments.
Flexibility
Employers want to hire professionals who are flexible. Those who are stuck in their ways tend to be more difficult to work with than those who can go with the flow. Flexibility goes hand in hand with adaptability.
Self-Reliance
Babies need not apply. Employers do not want to hire people who require handholding or constant praise in order to feel appreciated. They are looking for employees who can motivate themselves, figure out what needs to be done, and then do it. Everyone appreciates a pat on the back from time to time, but it shouldn’t be required to do your job well.
Teamwork
There is a reason that Extra Space has “teamwork” as one of our core values. We all know there is no “I” in “TEAM.” Even those who are hired to fill individual positions may eventually find themselves working as part of a group. Employers are looking for those who can collaborate well with others, not behave like divas.
Dependability
Employers want to hire professionals who will be there to do the job every day. They do not want to waste their time with someone who is going to use all of their sick days, demand vacation time during the busy season, or abuse a flexible schedule.
Integrity
It almost goes without saying, but if an employer discovers an inaccuracy or exaggeration on your resume—perhaps while conducting a reference check—you will quickly find yourself resuming your job search. We live our values, even when no one is looking.
Interested in a career with Extra Space Storage? Learn more about our employment opportunities.