• February 24, 2017
• Newsletter Article

What skills are most important for companies that are hiring? There are some skills and qualities that employers require of all applicants for employment, regardless of the position they are hiring for.

These are called soft skills, and they include the interpersonal skills and attributes you need to succeed in the workplace.

In addition, there are the more tangible skills you need in order to do the job effectively.

These are called hard skills, and they are the specific knowledge and abilities required to do the job.

You’ll need both for most jobs, and it's important to show employers that you have the skills they need when you're applying and interviewing for jobs.

Top 7 Skills Employers Seek in Job Applicants

Here are some of the skills that employers consider as most important when recruiting and hiring employees. In order to get your application noticed be sure to incorporate the skills you have that are required for the position for which you are applying in your resume and cover letter. Also, highlight your most relevant skills during job interviews.

1. Analytical

Employees need to be able to figure things out, so you will need to have some analytic skills to succeed in the workplace. The skills you need and the level of skills required will vary depending on the job and the industry.

In conjunction with being able to analyze, employees are expected to be able to organize, plan and prioritize effectively.

2. Communication

The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, is essential, no matter what job you have or industry you work in.

You will need to be able to communicate effectively with employees, managers, and customers in-person, online, in writing and/or on the phone.

3. Interpersonal

Interpersonal skills, also known as people skills, are the skills you use to interact and engage with people. I just heard about someone who was hired because of his ability to connect with people. That trumped the other skills the employer was seeking, so be sure yours are up to par. Your interpersonal skills will be evaluated during your job interviews, so it's important to prepare for the interview so you are as comfortable and confident as possible when interviewing.

4. Leadership

When companies hire for leadership roles they seek employees who can successfully interact with employees, colleagues, clients and others. Even if you're not applying for management jobs, leadership is a valuable skill to bring to the employer.

5. Positive Attitude

Attitude might not be everything, but it’s extremely valuable. Employers want employees who are positive, even in stressful and challenging circumstances. They want to hire applicants with a “can do” attitude, who are flexible, dedicated and who are willing to contribute extra, if necessary, to get the job done.

6. Teamwork

Regardless of the job, employers want to hire people who are team players who are cooperative and work well with others. They don’t want employees who are difficult to work with. When you are interviewing be sure to share examples of how you worked well on a team.

7. Technical

The technical skills you need will vary, of course, depending on the job. However, most positions require at least some technical skills.

Showcase Your Skills

To be sure you are showing your top skills when you're job searching, make a list of the skills and qualities that best are best reflected in your background. Incorporate them into your resume and cover letters.

Also, think of examples of how you have applied these skills to achieve success on the job, in the classroom or in volunteer work. Share the examples with your interviewers so they know exactly how much of asset you will be if you're hired.