HAVING a list of qualifications as long as your arm or decades of experience will only get you so far in your career.

Quantifiable abilities, such as a solid grasp of maths and English, or industry-specific skills, are just one area employers consider when selecting new recruits or candidates for promotion.

There's a host of other characteristics that make someone stand out in the workplace and a pleasure to employ.

Outlined here is an overview of the qualities most likely to win over your current boss or future recruiters.

Reliability and consistency.

Most people are on their best behaviour when they start a new job but, over the years, it's easy to develop bad habits.

This might mean regularly arriving late or making less effort with appearance.

While behaviour like this might seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, it can be a source of extreme annoyance to colleagues and line managers.

Sloppy time-keeping or scruffiness can be taken as signs that you're not that bothered and may raise questions about your general level of commitment.

A sense of initiative.

While asking questions is one of the best ways to learn, there is definitely a time and place to do it.

Rather than automatically turning to others for help, see if you can find the required information yourself.

A quick internet search might provide the details you need, or there may be specific company documents you could check.

Ability to exceed expectations.

It's always better to surprise your boss, manager or client by delivering something earlier than expected than to make a promise you can't keep.

Try to negotiate realistic deadlines and then do your best to complete the task in the shortest time possible.

If you gain a reputation for handing things in early, people will trust you and be more understanding should you ever need more time due to circumstances beyond your control.

Similarly, if you spot an opportunity to add value to a project, grasp it with both hands.

Adaptability and flexibility.

Your job description should be seen as a list of minimum requirements rather than the final word on your daily activities. There may be times when you're asked to do something not directly related to your role.

Try to view these requests as opportunities to stretch yourself and demonstrate your abilities rather than moaning that it's not your responsibility.

Being a model employee is all about doing the best job possible and considering how you can add value to your company and cement your position as an invaluable part of the team.