If you're having a hard time standing out from the crowd in job searches, don't despair.

If you're applying to jobs that have a lot of similar applicants, there are some basic things beyond our education and business skill set that can leave a positive impression and help you to get a job.

Many of these skills are considered intangibles and are rarely asked for on a job application.

However, consciously or unconsciously, there are some important traits which can set one person apart in a field of equally qualified candidates during the interview process. Here are five skills to be aware of:

SELF-AWARENESS1

If you are someone who does better in a social or team setting or someone who works best in an entirely quiet and chaos-free work space, be honest about it when it comes up.

It is a risk, but it also means that your employers, if they hire you, know what kind of an environment helps you to thrive.

This might mean you get a work space more suited to your needs and not one that someone else who works differently had coveted.

It also gives you the best chance to live up to our reputationin your new job.

For employers, it may not fit with their culture, but they appreciate your honesty and may recommend you to another company looking for the opposite kind of employee, whether introvert or extrovert.

GRACIOUSNESS2

This is the ability to make others feel comfortable and appreciated. It can come in the form of something small like a “thank you” or by being warm and inclusive to someone who forgot your name.

It may also be in the form of written thank-you notes and words of appreciation for others.

This is an especially valuable tool around those who are insecure but it’s also important that you be careful to stay sincere. Flattery is not a desirable skill and can be seen as manipulative.

CONSIDERATION3

Being considerate is a major asset when employers are looking for a new employee.

It can show up in little ways like remembering the name of the person interviewing you and repeating it at the end along with some kind words.

It also can mean cleaning your own glass of water or coffee mug at the end of the interview or picking up the piece of paper on the floor near the trash can.

These actions may seem small but, for an interviewer who feels that they are the only ones to do this kind of work, it can be enormous.

AUTONOMY4

However, your ability to learn on your own, do homework ahead of time and pick up on things without taking away the valuable time of coworkers is a coveted skill.

You can demonstrate this in an interview by highlighting projects you started on your own in previous jobs or even volunteer opportunities.

Doing your homework and asking questions that show you spent time researching the company prior to your interview is also a great way to show autonomy.

POSITIVITY5

There are always parts of a job that can seem boring or unappealing. Being a positive person who can make light of this can make working a lot better for everyone.

Avoid complaining about anyone or anything in an interview and instead be tactfully kind when describing the unpleasant.

A person with a sunny demeanor is remembered long after a complainer.

Seeking a new financial advisor position? Speak with the experienced financial advisor recruiters of Willis Consulting Inc.

They can many top industry contacts and can help you land the position you want. See open positions at http://www.willis-consulting.com/financial-advisor-jobs/

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