Being a government contractor, including for the Department of Defense (DoD), requires a comprehensive portfolio of skills and qualifications. Regardless of the organization or office, the following desirable qualifications can guarantee a successful and productive career. Listed below is an entire alphabet of skills and qualifications that make a successful contractor.
Awareness
Situational awareness is a skill that requires maturity, experience, and the ability to focus on what’s going on in the moment.
Bold
Being a contractor is not for the faint-hearted. Successful contractors show boldness of thoughts and ideas and aren’t timid about sharing their knowledge with their supervisors.
Collaboration
Contractors must be able to collaborate and work with their team and other government employees.
Dedication
Being dedicated to a project and client means putting forth the extra effort needed to get the job done.
Enterprising
Successful contractors will be enterprising in all their endeavors.
Flexibility
Without flexibility, a contractor will fail.
Generous
Generosity with time, ideas, and assistance is absolutely required to be successful in the government contracting world.
Humility
The most successful contractors know if you’re great you don’t have to tell anyone, they will already know by your work.
Ideas
If a contractor has good ideas to share, they will be invaluable to their client.
Judgment
Making the right decisions and reaching solid conclusions shows a contractor has sound judgment.
Kinetic
An energetic, spirited contractor is a valued asset to any organization or team.
Law-abiding
If you work as a government contractor, especially if you hold a clearance, being law-abiding is an absolute requirement.
Management
Being able to manage work and/or people is a highly desired skill for a government contractor.
Notable
A valuable skill, a notable contractor stands out and is worthy of recognition for good work.
Observation
The ability to observe and learn are two key elements to success in the contractor world.
Punctuality
Always an important skill, even more important if you work with military staff who view punctuality very seriously and expect everyone to do the same.
Questions and Answers
Asking the right questions, and knowing the right answers is the sign of a person who listens and learns.
Respect
Showing respect to all members of an office, and especially those of high rank and leadership, is an absolute must for government contractors, especially those whose jobs require them to interact with senior government leaders and personnel.
Scholarly
Contractors who are always learning and increasing their knowledge and capabilities are valued and respected by their supervisors and co-workers.
Trust-worthy
An untrustworthy person will not last as a government contractor, especially those with a clearance. Trust is essential when sensitive or classified work is being performed.
Unpretentious
The best co-workers, leaders, and contractors are unpretentious and down-to-earth people, regardless of their position.
Vocal
Having something valuable to say and share is a sign of confidence and maturity.
Well-rounded
The most successful and sought after contractors are well-rounded and have varied skills and talents.
eXellence (I’m being creative)
If a contractor can maintain a level of excellence in their work, attitude, and productivity, nothing will get in their way.
Yes!
A positive attitude, saying YES instead of NO, can go a long way, especially as a government contractor. Finding solutions where others have failed goes a long way.
Zealous
Having a job you love, a great team to work with, and giving back to an organization you believe in will make any government contractor feel excited and zealous about their job.
