WORKFACT WEDNESDAY: Top 10 Employability Skills

{excerpted from an article at American Job Center Network}

  1. Communication skills ” Listening, speaking and writing. Employers want people who can accurately interpret what others are saying and organize and express their thoughts clearly.
  2. 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.
  3. Analytical and problem-solving skills ” Employers want people who can use creativity, reasoning and past experiences to identify and solve problems effectively.
  4. Personal management skills ” The ability to plan and manage multiple assignments and tasks, set priorities and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments.
  5. Interpersonal effectiveness ” Employers usually note whether an employee can relate to co-workers and build relationships with others in the organization.
  6. Computer/technical literacy ” Although employers expect to provide training on job-specific software, they also expect employees to be proficient with basic computer skills.
  7. 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.
  8. Learning skills ” Jobs are constantly changing and evolving, and employers want people who can grow and learn as changes come.
  9. 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.
  10. Strong work values ” Dependability, honesty, selfconfidence and a positive attitude are prized qualities in any profession. Employers look for personal integrity.