While many of us are returning to the office, the shift to virtual meetings is something that will continue in the workplace landscape for the foreseeable future. While working with colleagues through the screen, it can be difficult to convey your character traits that you bring to the table, virtual or otherwise. What sets you apart, and how can you showcase that?  

An article from Career Contessa says that 23% of employees lack the basic skills they would need to perform 90% of jobs. As companies put an emphasis on soft skills versus hard experience, the need to exhibit certain character traits becomes more important than ever. So, what are the most important character traits that set you apart? And which matters the most to employers? Below are eight character traits that you should work to illustrate (along with four bonus traits for further investigation): 

Dependable: You want to make sure you are a reliable person in the office, which means you meet deadlines, arrive to meetings prepared, and submit work that is above average. It seems easy to achieve, but supervisors are sure to notice when it is lacking. 

Motivated: How do you show motivation in a virtual environment? Supervisors report that they tend to think an employee is more motivated when they are enthusiastic at team meetings, will show initiative to lead, and can address bigger problems for the organization as a whole. 

Independent: Everyone loves a team player, but a solo contributor who is a star is just as valuable. Knowing when work can be completed as an individual, but also when to bring work back to the group is important. This becomes really important when working from home—your colleagues want to know that they can hand you a project and it will get done. 

Creative: Not all work environments foster creativity, but it is especially hard to be creative with a big workload and the same old office setup. To be creative doesn’t just mean coming to the meeting with a big idea, but can also mean showing information in a new way (ditch the PowerPoint!) or structuring the meeting in a more productive manner.  

Inclusive: Every organization is working to be more inclusive, but what does that look like for an individual employee? Regardless of what you do or where you sit in an organization, going out of your way to make sure each team member feels included and a part of the team is an easy place to start. 

Efficient: Employees who improve processes for a team or an organization is always an asset. Look for ways to challenge systems that don’t work anymore, or just work smarter in your own role. Set up your own systems on how to complete work that saves yourself time, and therefore shows your efficiency to others. 

Curious: Most jobs need open-minded and flexible employees, so a curious one will be welcome. Keep learning, even if it isn’t about your own job, and stay in a position where you are seeking out challenges. 

Diligent: These employees take pride in what they do, and don’t feel comfortable with mediocre work. You can show your diligence by offering up to review or edit projects or offer to zoom in on details while someone else takes the lead on the big picture. 

Bonus traits: Head over to Career Contessa to learn more about how to be empathetic, flexible, humble, and responsible.