What Employers Look for!!!

The 10 Skills Employers Most Want In 20-Something Employees

The number one questioned asked by Employers to the 20-something year told crowd is such: “Are you able to work effectively in a team?” What answer are these employers looking for? They want someone that is able to solve problems or conflict, those who go above and beyond the 4.0 grade point average.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) a Bethlehem, Pa. non-profit group that links college career placement offices with employers, ran a survey from early August to mid-September where it asked hiring managers what skills they prioritize when they hire college grads. Though the survey sample is small it collected responses from just 200 employers—the outcome in interesting.
Despite all the emphasis in the news about the need for computer software and programming skills, the most important qualities employers seek are basic teamwork, problem-solving and the ability to plan and prioritize.
Here are the 10 skills employers say they seek, in order of importance:
1. Ability to work in a team
2. Ability to make decisions and solve problems
3. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work
4. Ability to communicate verbally with people inside and outside an organization
5. Ability to obtain and process information
6. Ability to analyze quantitative data
7. Technical knowledge related to the job
8. Proficiency with computer software programs
9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports
10. Ability to sell and influence others

Good news for grads? I’d say a big yes to that! No matter what you studied in school, or what you majored in, the most important facts are the top five skills. If you have those, you will be far more profitable in the job market. Employers want universal skills. Maybe there’s something to say about street-smarts.