Skills Most Sought After by Employers

Certain skills are nearly universally sought by employers. If you possess these, you’ll get a job faster than your friend who doesn’t. So, what are the critical employability skills that employers demand of job-seekers? The following list is provided by Drs. Randall S. Hansen and Katharine Hansen, founders of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest career development websites.

Communications Skills (listening, verbal, written). By far, the one skill mentioned most often by employers is the ability to listen, write, and speak effectively. Successful communication is critical in business.

Analytical/Research Skills. Can you assess a situation, seek multiple views, gather additional information that may be needed, and identify key issues that need to be addressed?

Computer/Technical Literacy. Almost all jobs now require some basic understanding of computer hardware and software, especially word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail.

Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing Multiple Priorities. Can you manage multiple assignments and tasks, set priorities, and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments? Interpersonal Abilities. The ability to relate to your co-workers, inspire others to participate, and mitigate conflict with co-workers is essential given the amount of time spent at work each day.

Leadership/Management Skills. While there is some debate about whether leadership is something people are born with, these skills deal with your ability to take charge and manage your co-workers.

Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness. There is possibly no bigger issue in the workplace than diversity, and job-seekers must demonstrate a sensitivity and awareness to other people and cultures.

Planning/Organizing. Are you able to set goals, design, plan, organize, and implement projects and tasks within an allotted timeframe?

Problem-Solving/Reasoning/Creativity. Can you solve problems using your creativity, reasoning, and past experiences plus available information and resources? Teamwork. Because so many jobs involve working in one or more work groups, you must have the ability to work with others in a professional manner while attempting to achieve a common goal.

Career Headlines 2/8/10