{excerpted from an article at American Job Center Network}
- Communication skills Listening, speaking and writing. Employers want people who can accurately interpret what others are saying and organize and express their thoughts clearly.
- Teamwork In today’s work environment, many jobs involve working in one or more groups. Employers want someone who can bring out the best in others.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills Employers want people who can use creativity, reasoning and past experiences to identify and solve problems effectively.
- Personal management skills The ability to plan and manage multiple assignments and tasks, set priorities and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments.
- Interpersonal effectiveness Employers usually note whether an employee can relate to co-workers and build relationships with others in the organization.
- Computer/technical literacy Although employers expect to provide training on job-specific software, they also expect employees to be proficient with basic computer skills.
- Leadership/management skills The ability to take charge and manage your co-workers, if required, is a welcome trait. Most employers look for signs of leadership qualities.
- Learning skills Jobs are constantly changing and evolving, and employers want people who can grow and learn as changes come.
- Academic competence in reading and math Although most jobs don’t require calculus, almost all jobs require the ability to read and comprehend instructions and perform basic math.
- Strong work values Dependability, honesty, selfconfidence and a positive attitude are prized qualities in any profession. Employers look for personal integrity.