Top Bosses Spill Secrets: How to Shine and Score Your Dream Job!

What does it really take to succeed in a busy workplace? Many people believe that having the perfect resume or a long list of skills is the most important thing, but several top business leaders say that attitude, curiosity, and the willingness to try new things matter even more. Six successful founders and CEOs recently shared their thoughts on what makes someone stand out and the advice they would give to anyone hoping to get ahead in their career.

Charlotte Tilbury, a well-known beauty entrepreneur, says that one of the main reasons for her success is refusing to let others set limits for her. She believes that nothing is impossible unless you decide it is. Charlotte says there will always be people who doubt you or think your ideas are too strange, but it is important to ignore them and keep going. She recommends seeing setbacks not as mistakes, but as chances to rethink and improve. In her view, challenges are opportunities that can make you stronger and lead you to better places.

Charlie Bowes-Lyon, co-founder of the deodorant brand Wild, believes that attitude is much more important than skills. He says that skills can be taught, but attitude cannot. Charlie admits that even successful people do not always feel confident, and many are just pretending until they really succeed. He suggests that if you are at a job interview, you should always have questions ready to ask at the end. Candidates who do not ask questions rarely get hired. One good question to ask is what success looks like in the job.

Marcia Kilgore, who has started several popular brands including Beauty Pie and Soap and Glory, says that curiosity is one of the main qualities she looks for when hiring. She values people who are willing to roll up their sleeves, ask lots of questions, and think about how they can be useful. Marcia also believes that good communication is crucial. She learned early in her career that poor communication is often the reason things go wrong. Her advice is to listen carefully to what is being asked and take a moment before responding. Your answer does not have to be immediate, but it should be thoughtful.

Anabel Kindersley, CEO and co-owner of Neal's Yard Remedies, says that saying yes to new opportunities is one of the best ways to build your skills. She has had a varied career, from acting as a child to writing books and running a business, and she believes that trying new things helped her learn and grow. Anabel also says that honesty is important and you should be truthful about your experience and confident in what you can offer. When hiring, she looks for people who have both emotional intelligence and ability.

Charlie Nunn, group chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group, says that curiosity, resilience, and the ability to think about how new tools like AI can be used are important skills. He also values people who are good at working in teams. Charlie recommends taking on opportunities that are outside your comfort zone. He was nervous about taking retail jobs earlier in his career, but found they gave him valuable experience. If something feels risky, try it because you will learn more and it will make your resume stronger.

James Reed, chairman and chief executive of recruitment company Reed, says that one of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking about what an employer can do for them instead of what they can offer the employer. He suggests asking yourself how you can be the solution for an employer. As AI is increasingly used in recruitment, James says applicants need to make sure their skills match the job description. AI is a great tool, but it should not replace your own judgement or voice. Use it to make your application stronger, but do not expect it to do all the work for you.

These business leaders agree that attitude, curiosity, honesty, and the willingness to try new things are key to success. Skills are important, but they can be learned. What matters most is how you think, how you communicate, and how you face challenges. If you want to get ahead, be open to new opportunities, ask questions, and show what you can offer.