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This activity will take you approximately 10 minutes.

Traits are the behaviours and characteristics you bring to an occupation and a workplace that make you who you are.

It's possible that the significant experiences you identified are important to you because they allowed you to express some positive traits. Examples of traits include:

  • Dependability
  • Flexibility
  • Curiosity
  • Respect for others
  • Cheerfulness
  • Self-reliance

From the list below, select the traits that played a part in your significant experiences. You do not need to select traits in each group. 

If you don’t see traits you used in your experiences, type them in the text boxes at the bottom,  

Check out Develop Your Core Skills and Traits, The Tendencies That Make You Tick, or contact Alberta Supports if you would like more information.

Cara worked part time as a cashier at a grocery store. She couldn’t understand why her supervisor seemed disappointed with her performance. When she asked her supervisor about it, he said, “You do fine when it comes to operating the cash register, bagging groceries, and making change. What’s missing is a basic level of respect that makes a customer want to come back. 
Cara began to be more courteous. She started smiling, making eye contact, asking customers how they were and providing assistance whenever she could. 

Cara
Cashier

Nathan works as a parts technician in a warehouse. He processes requests for parts. Nathan is dependable. He is punctual, pays attention to detail, and keeps things organized. When Nathan overheard a customer yelling at his co-worker for a mix-up, he politely interrupted to explain that he had made the mistake. He apologized and filled the order correctly.

Nathan
Parts Technician

Karl had just started his new job as a heavy equipment operator. At the end of his shift, he saw a co-worker putting some tools into his pickup. Karl asked if employees were allowed to borrow tools. He was abruptby told to "mind his own business". Because he was typically the last person to leave, and the newest employee, he didn't want to blamed if the tools went missing. Karl decided he should check with his supervisor about borrowing tools. Whether the tools were reported missing the next day or returned, Karl had shown his honesty and respect for the company's property. 

Karl
Heavy Equipment Operator

Meghan enjoyed working in the busy cafeteria of a large tech company. When she was promoted to the coffee shop upstairs, she discovered the pace was much slower. She decided to make speciality coffees and promote them by posting signs around the company. She remembered customer names and what they liked, in order to build a regular customer base. When they expressed frustration over not having time to wait in the cafeteria line-up downstairs, Meghan explained their concerns to her supervisor. She asked if she could stock the coffee shop with sandwiches, wraps, and other snacks to make things easier for her customers. Meghan offered to order and stock the additional items, and train the other staff.  Her supervisor agreed to try it out, and was delighted to see that Meghan's independence and initiative helped sales triple in just a few weeks!

Meghan
Barista

Cory failed a test at the beginning of his pre-trades program. Although he was upset that he got such a low mark, he realized that it was his own fault. He knew that he hadn’t really studied that hard, so there was no point blaming the instructor. 
Cory decided to work hard to improve his marks and set a goal for the next exam. Whenever he had self-defeating thoughts, and felt distracted from his studies or wanted to join his friends partying, he reminded himself of his goal, and the successes he's already had. He set aside regular study time and asked the instructor for help in the areas where he had previously done poorly. In fact, the positive changes in Cory’s attitude not only helped him successfully graduate from the program but also receive a good recommendation for an apprenticeship position.

Cory
Student

Liam was enrolled in a motorcycle mechanics class at his local college. He began his work placement at one of the nearby repair shops to learn more about motocycle maintenance. One day, Liam's eye was injured from a welding flash. He had decided that he didn't need to put a welding helmet on because he wasn't doing the welding. He was only watching a co-worker weld a part to the bike. His co-worker didn't notice that Liam had neglected to put on his helmet. After the incident, everyone at the shop agreed that working safely was a responsibility they all shared. 

Liam
Motocycle Mechanic Apprentice

Traits A-C

Adaptable

You are adaptable when you have a realistic view of the situation you are in and recognize that change is certain. You are aware that you cannot control everything. You know that life changes will cause stress, and you know how to manage stress. You can compromise, are prepared to make changes in your life, and you are willing to try new ways of doing things. You are flexible and prepared when unexpected situations arise. 

Committed

You show commitment to an employer or your work when you show you have a desire to be employed and demonstrate a positive attitude toward working. You are prepared to start your job on time, are able to work under supervision and take direction. You do what is needed to complete your assigned tasks, you do your best at your job and take responsibility for your errors and make corrections.

Courteous

You are courteous when you pay attention to the needs and feelings of those around you and listen to others when they speak to you. You offer to help others before you are asked. You follow the basic rules of politeness (e.g. saying “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me”) and treat others with respect.

Traits D-H

Dependable

You are dependable when you show you have a desire to work, you come to work on time, leave and return on breaks as scheduled, and don't miss time from work. You are organized and pay attention to quality, complete tasks that you said you would, are accountable for your actions, and don’t blame others.

Honest

You are honest (or have integrity) when you are truthful when dealing with others, and live up to your values. You present yourself and your values accurately in your social media presence. You express your concerns when you feel something might be dishonest, and avoid participating in gossip. You follow your workplace’s guidelines for confidentiality, and you check your work for accuracy.

Traits I-P

Positive

You have a positive attitude when you focus on good things that happen during the day. You believe in your ability to do a job well, you trust yourself and others, and avoid blaming others for things that go wrong. You recognize negative influences, expect positive results, and prevent bad experiences from affecting other areas in your life. You have the courage to try new things, and are friendly and smile.

Traits Q-Z

Safety conscious

You know you are safety conscious when you can identify health and safety hazards in the workplace, and are aware of legislation related to safe work practices. You demonstrate safe work practices, take training, if needed, before operating tools and equipment. You wear safety gear as required, and inform others of unsafe conditions.

Willingness to learn

You have a willingness to learn when you admit there is always more to learn, and you show others that you are eager to learn new things. You identify skills you want to develop and the new things you would like to learn. You try to learn from your mistakes. You know how you learn best and you know what learning opportunities are available to you (e.g. courses, workshops, help from co-workers, supervisors or mentors).

Other Traits

Did your significant experiences involve traits that aren't on the list? Add them here.

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This personal information is being collected and used pursuant to section 33(c) and section 39(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This information is being collected and retained on the system to facilitate your personal career planning process and to make it available for your ongoing use. You may choose to share this information with a Career Advisor to support the provision of career planning services. Please contact alis at alis.info@gov.ab.ca or 780-422-1794 if you have any questions regarding the collection or use of the information you submit.