Based on a number of surveys on the skills required by graduates undertaken by Microsoft, Target Jobs, the BBC, Prospects, NACE and AGR and other organizations, here is our summary of the skills which were most often deemed important to employers:
1. Verbal Communication – Able to express your ideas clearly and confidently in speech.
2. Team Work – Work confidently within a group.
3. Commercial Awareness – Understand the commercial realities affecting the organization.
4. Analyzing and Investigating – Gather information systematically to establish facts & principles. Problem solving.
5. Initiative and Self Motivation – Able to act on initiative, identify opportunities & proactive in putting forward ideas & solutions.
6. Drive – Determination to get things done. Make things happen & constantly looking for better ways of doing things.
7. Written Communication – Able to express yourself clearly in writing.
8. Planning and Organizing – Able to plan activities & carry them through effectively.
9. Flexibility – Adapt successfully to changing situations & environments.
10. Time Management – Manage time effectively, prioritizing tasks and able to work to deadlines.
All of the above qualities are very important in the modern workplace and are referred to as “Soft Skills”. “Soft Skills” are a cluster of personal qualities, habits, attitudes, and social graces that make someone a good employee and compatible to work with. Research suggests that they can be just as important an indicator of job performance as hard skills, which are teachable abilities that can be defined and measured. The best information you can take from this article is that while schooling and work experience is important to employers, being reliable, self motivated, smart, adaptable, and personable are all equally as important!
If you are looking for a job or an employee, be sure to contact us at (559)579-1331. We are here to help and look forward to meeting you!