When preparing for an interview, it is helpful to put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer (and/or employer) so as to pre-empt their expectations and present yourself accordingly.

Below is a highlight of some of the personal qualities that today's employers desire in a potential candidate.

Energy & Enthusiasm
Discernable from the moment you "bound" into the interview room, the twin pillars of energy and enthusiasm indicate your potential productivity level at work.

While being energetic and driven is usually an inborn quality, you can express your enthusiasm for the post by affirming your positive impression of the company and its culture as well as by relating features of the job description that you found interesting. A word of caution: Before engaging this approach, prior thorough research is essential, as you must be equipped to illustrate your views incisively.

Self-awareness
There are two aspects to this trait, both of which reflect a candidate's emotional maturity.

Firstly, employers want employees who are able to recognize their personal strengths and limitations. During the interview, be prepared to explain how you would capitalize on the former to benefit the company's objectives and how you intend to overcome the latter.

Secondly, employers prefer candidates who are conscious about their short and long-term career objectives. Your level of maturity is revealed when you are able to elaborate on how your own goals tie-in with the prospects of the position concerned. This aspect is also critical to reassuring the company of your intention to commit for the long run.

Adaptability
In today's highly dynamic corporate environment, organizations place a premium on the adaptability of an employee; hence your willingness to learn and venture beyond your comfort zone will increase your employability.

Demonstrate this quality to the interviewer by describing examples of your versatility and creativity in dealing with challenging situations in previous work environments. Also, remember to communicate your desire to build on your existing skill base by embracing new responsibilities and by enrolling in self-improvement/educational courses.

Loyalty
This quality is a rare gem among employees. Since it is difficult to recruit and train new staff (and costly when a mistake is made), an organization appreciates dedicated employees who will continue to contribute their services as the company goes through changes and crises.

For this trait to manifest itself, there first has to be a consensus of values between employer and employee. Hence, it is essential that the corporate principles and philosophies mirror your own and are acceptable to you. Once you have ascertained as such (and therefore have accepted the interview), the onus is upon you to highlight the shared beliefs and ethos that will make you a loyal member of staff. Your sincerity in this regard will definitely bode well for your interview success.