Tips for Developing Skills Employers Want

February 24, 2022
Newsletter Article

We've heard about employability, or skills employers need in their new hires. But what skills do agricultural employers really want? Learn what they are and how you can develop them.

AgCareers.com gathered intel from agricultural employers about what they are looking for during the hiring process. Here’s the top five skills employers want, and how you can develop those desired skills:

#1 Teamwork

Agriculture employers value teamwork to ensure positive company culture and the ability to build on other ideas. To build your team-working skills, try taking group projects seriously while in class, along with getting involved with clubs on campus. This will give you experience working with others in different settings.

#2 Communication

There are opportunities to practice communication skills every day. Challenge yourself to make steady eye contact with those you encounter, along with speaking clearly in your conversations. You can even sign up for mock interviews at your school’s Career Services office to practice communicating during an interview and get feedback on your communication style.

#3 Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

With the guarantee you will face discrepancies in the workplace, start practicing your problem-solving and decision-making skills now. Engage in difficult tasks. Play strategic games such as Chess or Sudoku. If that’s not for you, simply give extra thought to any problems you face in your day-to-day life. Try to patiently work through them without excess frustration or giving up too easily.

#4 Organization

Employers want to know you can keep various projects organized and completed on time. You can easily practice your organization skills while keeping track of the different classes you are enrolled in. Use a whiteboard, your phone, or sticky notes to remind yourself of important due dates. Organize your laptop into different folders, as well as keeping physical papers in separate, safe locations.

#5 Computer Skills

With the focus on technology, being able to show competent computer skills is more important than ever. If you have some free time in your schedule, pick up a computer applications course to learn more about various applications. You can also find informational videos online to better understand popular programs such as Excel.

Originally published in our Career Success Kit. To get exclusive access to career development content, sign up for the kit here.

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