Skills Employers Commonly Look For
The following skills were identified by employers across industries as important in a job seeker. If any of these fit your background, use them prominently in your resume.

Computer Skills
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Personality Characteristics

  1. Computer Skills
    • word processing
    • spreadsheet application
    • database management
    • graphic design
    • knowledge of common software


  2. Communication Skills- social effectiveness
    • Social Effectiveness
      • team working skills
      • coaching skills/coachability
      • sales skills
      • problem-solving skills
      • organization skills
      • crisis-management skills


  3. Presentation Skills
    • writing skills (e-mails, memos, technical and other reports, and personal correspondence with co-workers)
    • oral skills (public speaking for small and large group presentations)
    • Other Skills
      • basic understanding of economics
      • language skills and understanding other cultures


  4. Personality Characteristics
    • responsible
    • imaginative/creative
    • motivated/motivator
    • quick thinker
    • self-starter
    • change agent
    • self-confident
    • risk-taker
    • flexible/adaptable
    • trainable/lifelong learner
    • street-smart

("What Employers Look For" was adapted from: Kretovics, Mark A. and James A. McCambridge: "Determining What Employers Really Want: Conducting regional Stakeholder Focus Groups," Journal of Career Planning and Employment. Winter 1998, 25-30.)



 

Job SeekersEmployersYouthSpecialized ProgramsCalendarAbout The Job MarketContact UsHome

© 2003 The Job Market. All rights reserved.