Worst Employability Trait

[JaniceSW]

I am now retired and have not been in the job market for about 5 years.  Funny thing, I worked in the field of Workforce Development so I can name all kinds of things that are problems.  However, I recently hired a skilled handyman to do a number of things around my home.  He is NEVER on time.  I mean never!  He is nice, he is skilled, he is detailed.  But he is also a little slow and "laid back."  Now his transportation has broken down and he has to rely on other people.  He never seems to tell them what time he needs to be here.  I have told him to fix it by telling them 30 minutes early but I don't think he has.  He has no regular, full-time job and now I know why!

[judylucas]

Time to look for another handyman

[metsrock69]

When I am doing a job for someone, I always show up on time if not earlier  than what I say. I also call the client when I am on my way to give them a heads up. I am always at a job site for 8-10 hours a day until the job is complete.

[vg7405]

I would definitely say that punctuality is one of the most important traits I look for whenever I hire something to do something. They can be the most skilled expert in their field - and it is understandable to be late once or twice (as long as I am given advanced notice) - but chronic lateness will quickly make me lose my trust and reliability in you (no matter how good you are).

[jenniferhoder]

Worst traits are being late and being disrespectful to other coworkers! I hate that.

[sdenimandlace1]

Being late all the time is a choice, you have to work at it.

[braggin]

My father had a handyman like that when he (my Dad) got old and the guy was always several hours late too, although he also did a good job when he did show up. Then one winter day my Dad got angry because the guy was so late and he went out and started shoveling the snow off his driveway himself. He had a heart attack and died that day too.

[countrygirl12]

When I am doing a job for someone, I always show up on time if not earlier  than what I say. I also call the client when I am on my way to give them a heads up. I am always at a job site for 8-10 hours a day until the job is complete.

If I had hired a handyman I don't think I would want them at my home for 10 hours a day.

[countrygirl12]

I would definitely say that punctuality is one of the most important traits I look for whenever I hire something to do something. They can be the most skilled expert in their field - and it is understandable to be late once or twice (as long as I am given advanced notice) - but chronic lateness will quickly make me lose my trust and reliability in you (no matter how good you are).

I don't think I have ever been late for work.  And have only called in maybe 10 times in my entire career of working.

[JaniceSW]

My father had a handyman like that when he (my Dad) got old and the guy was always several hours late too, although he also did a good job when he did show up. Then one winter day my Dad got angry because the guy was so late and he went out and started shoveling the snow off his driveway himself. He had a heart attack and died that day too.

My goodness, this is a sad outcome and a cautionary tale regarding shoveling snow when you are older and out of shape or have a condition!  I am so sorry to hear this about your father!

[mrsmere]

I really like to be on time and if I'm paying you, I expect you to be on time also because its not fair to rob me of my time.  I'm sure he would be on time for court.

[makeblessed]

I am also retired, but when I was in the workforce full time, I had an issue with people being late; while I understand there are some things beyond our control like heavy traffic, my position always was we live in an area where the traffic is always backed up; so you need to be responsible and give yourself extra time; yes it may mean leaving an hour before you need to but better to be early then late all the time!

[de3ik]

I'm sorry to hear about your problems with this handyman. I hope you can hire someone who will be an excellent worker in the future. It's not always easy to find good help. I remember the handyman we hired had a really bad attitude and refused to repair something he originally said needed to be repaired and it later broke down causing us problems. He got loud at our friend who brought him by and went outside acting like we weren't there. I think insubordination is the worse trait with an employee. I personally think people don't have the customer service consideration that they did in the past so rudeness is another big issue.

[guapguysteven]

A lot boils down to dependable.

[pkrahmer]

unfortunately i have had a few people like that and it drives me crazy. many people today don't have a work ethic or common courtesy. i volunteer at a local thrift and we had a computer guy when you called him  most of the time he wouldn't call you back or just show up 3 days later.
the new computer guy  responds within an hour or so ,calls when he is on his way or will let me know if he is running late!