Traits to Stress by Industry

It happens more than you think. Someone who was applying for an accounting job submitted the same cover letter and résumé that they used when applying for a marketing gig even though the jobs couldn’t be any more different. Try to avoid making this mistake. Every job is different, and so should your cover letters and résumés. Customization is key. We’ve polled professionals across many industries to see what traits they are looking for in their future hires. These qualities can be stressed in résumés, cover letters, and interviews—but remember that they just skim the surface. Keep digging to see what traits are valued at specific companies, and be sure to check the original job post and the career section of the company’s website that you’re applying to in order to tailor your pitch.

FINANCE

• Attention to detail
• Strong quantitative analytical skills
• Stamina and good time management skills
• Ability to work with independently and with a team
• Interest in the financial markets

CONSULTING

• Strong analytical skills (qualitative and quantitative)
• Teamwork-oriented
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to ask pointed questions to identify issues
• Highly adaptable

MARKETING

• Strong analytical skills (qualitative and quantitative)
• Good communication skills
• Teamwork-oriented
• Very creative
• Highly adaptable

ADVERTISING

• Ability to multi-task
• Strong analytical skills (qualitative and quantitative)
• Very creative
• Can function under pressure and with deadlines
• Attention to detail

NON-PROFIT

• Strong sales skills
• Ability to work with independently and with a team
• Dependable
• Very organized
• Resourceful

JOURNALISM

• Strong writing skills
• Ability to cover a wide range of topics
• Proven ability to hit deadlines
• Curious and willing to ask questions
• Persistent

GOVERNMENT

• Strong communication skills
• Very good at researching
• Highly organized
• Analytical thinker
• Aware of political processes and current events

SALES

• Good time management skills
• Trustworthy
• Strong communication skills
• Competitive and hungry to earn a buck
• Sound decision-making under pressure

EDUCATION

• Embraces after-school work (e.g., grading papers, being on committees)
• Good time management and planning skills
• Compassionate
• Charismatic and energetic
• Creative

PR

• Strong communications skills
• Organized
• Multi-tasker
• Attention to detail
• Creative

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

• Attention to detail
• Commitment to the industry
• Adaptable
• Strong communication skills
• Creative

BAR TENDING/WAITRESSING

• Personable
• Trustworthy
• Organized
• Good at handling money
• Copes well with stress

RETAIL (E.G., BANANA REPUBLIC)

• Trustworthy
• Good sales skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Persuasive
• Dependable

IT

• Strong technical skills
• Good communication skills
• Able to identify needs
• Strong analytical thinking
• Welcomes teamwork