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.
