Skills and qualities

Popular skills that employers want

A roundup of several surveys suggests skills that employers often admire. The following list is representative but not comprehensive:

·        Effective communication: Employers seek candidates who can listen to instructions and act on those instructions with minimal guidance. They want employees who speak, write, and listen effectively, organize their thoughts logically, and explain everything clearly.

·        Computer and technical literacy: Almost all jobs now require an understanding, ranging from basic to advanced, of computer software, word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, and Internet navigation.

·        Problem-solving/Creativity: Employers always want people who can get them out of a pickle. Problem-solving ability can aid you with making transactions, processing data, formulating a vision, and reaching a resolution. Employers need the assurance that you can conquer job challenges by thinking critically and creatively.

·        Interpersonal abilities: Relationship-building and relationship-management are high priorities with many employers. These skills confirm that a candidate can relate well to others, both co-workers and customers.

·        Teamwork skills: The ability to work well with others while pursuing a common goal is a long-running favorite of employers. But so is the ability to work with minor supervision.

·        Diversity sensitivity: In today’s world, cultural sensitivity and ability to build rapport with others in a multicultural environment is highly valued by employers.

·        Planning and organizing: Workplace life requires prioritizing and organizing information. Employers value people who, metaphorically, dig a well before they’re thirsty.

·        Leadership and management: Leadership consists of a strong sense of self, confidence, and a comprehensive knowledge of company goals. These are qualities that motivate and inspire, providing a solid foundation for teamwork.

Employers continue to look for assurances that you can in some way either make money for them or save money for them. Skills useful in saving money are universally desired, including by the nonprofit organizations.

Personal qualities that employers want

Here are some personal qualities that employers typically rate highly:

·        Adaptability and flexibility: Nearly half of employers in a recent survey gave a high rating to “openness to new ideas and concepts.” They also like candidates who can work independently or as part of a team, changing gears when required, whether multitasking or adapting working hours and locale.

·        Professionalism and work ethic: Employers seek productive workers with positive work ethics who stick with challenges until they meet them.

·        Positive attitude and energy: The last to be picked and promoted are candidates who show gloomy outlooks and emotional immaturity. Exhibit a sunny outlook and energetic, organized behavior.

·        Honesty/Integrity/Morality. Employers probably respect personal integrity more than any other value, especially in light of the many recent corporate scandals. Seasoned professional whose honesty and integrity provide for effective leadership and optimal business relationships.

·        Dependability/Reliability/Responsibility. There's no question that all employers desire employees who will arrive to work every day -- on time -- and ready to work, and who will take responsibility for their actions.

·        Loyalty. Employers want employees who will have a strong devotion to the company -- even at times when the company is not necessarily loyal to its employees.

 

·        Self-Confidence. Look at it this way: if you don't believe in yourself, in your unique mix of skills, education, and abilities, why should a prospective employer? Be confident in yourself and what you can offer employers.

·        Self-Motivated/Ability to Work With Little or No Supervision. While teamwork is always mentioned as an important skill, so is the ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.

 

·        Willingness to Learn. No matter what your age, no matter how much experience you have, you should always be willing to learn a new skill or technique. Jobs are constantly changing and evolving, and you must show an openness to grow and learn with that change.

Final Thoughts on Employability Skills and Values

 

Employability skills and personal values are the critical tools and traits you need to succeed in the workplace -- and they are all elements that you can learn, cultivate, develop, and maintain over your lifetime. Once you have identified the sought-after skills and values and assessed the degree to which you possess, them remember to document them and market them (in your resume, cover letter, and interview answers) for job-search success.