What Fourteen Skills and Values are Employers Seeking?

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


As you prepare for your job search, it's important to make sure your resume accurately reflects your top skills, but it's equally vital that you choose to list qualifications that are valuable to hiring managers and their organizations. Check out 14 of the top skills and values employers seek to determine how you stack up to your competition.

1. Positive Attitude

Employers appreciate workers who are motivated, show enthusiasm for their work and have a sunny disposition. Make sure your positive attitude comes across on your resume and in your interview.

2. Reliability

This top skill lets the hiring manager know you're responsible enough to handle your duties and dependable enough to show up for work on time each day.

3. Problem Solving

A good problem solver is persistent, keeping up with an issue until a reasonable and successful solution is met.

4. Integrity

Integrity is a top skill that all employers value. Honest employees get along well with coworkers and make good leaders.

5. Communication

A highly desired job candidate communicates well with colleagues, superiors and customers, whether through written or verbal means.

6. Creativity

Whether you're an engineer, salesman or graphic designer, describe how your creativity comes into play to make you a better employee. Explain how you creatively solve problems or negotiate deals.

7. Microsoft Office

Brush up on your Microsoft Office skills to ensure that you're well-versed in Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Access databases and Outlook email communication.

8. Public Speaking

If you're used to speaking in front of a crowd, make sure you list it as a top skill on your resume. Employers value candidates who can present themselves well and network with clients or partners.

9. Professionalism

Professionalism is key in any industry. This includes conducting yourself with maturity, being conscientious about your work and treating everyone in a fair and equal way.

10. Self-Confidence

If you're confident in your skills and abilities, it shows on your resume, in your interview and on the job. Prove that you're a hard-working professional on a mission for success.

11. Leadership

Employers want workers who can manage others and have the ability to take charge and lead under pressure. List your goal-oriented work experiences or mentoring opportunities.

12. Self-Motivation

Employees in any industry should be able to work well without supervision. Mention that you're a self-starter with the ability to work independently.

13. Teamwork

Just as important as independence is the ability to work with a team. Describe a time you contributed to a workgroup.

14. Organization

Any good employee plans and organizes in order to carry out duties, set goals and adhere to deadlines. Explain how and why you're detail-oriented.

These 14 top skills and values employers seek are universal across nearly every industry. If you're lacking in one of the areas, take classes or make an effort to improve to increase your marketability as a solid and highly sought-after candidate.


Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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