What are the top ten skills that employers want?

Posted by HR Key Functions Feb 23, 2010

Based on a number of surveys on the skills required by graduates here is a summary of the skills which were most often deemed important.

1. Verbal communication = Able to express your ideas clearly and confidently in speech
2. Teamwork = Works confidently within a group
3. Analysing & investigating = Gathers information systematically to establish facts & principles. Problem solving.
4. Initiative / Selfmotivation = Able to act on initiative, identify opportunities & proactive in putting forward ideas & solutions
5. Drive = Determination to get things done. Makes things happen & constantly looking for better ways of doing things.
6. Detail Oriented
7. Planning & organising = Able to plan activities & carry them through effectively
8. Flexibility = Adapts successfully to changing situations & environments
9. Commercial awareness = Understands the commercial realities affecting the organisation.
10. Time management = Manages time effectively, prioritising tasks and able to work to deadlines.

Other skills that were also seen as important
A positive ‘can do’ attitude
Punctuality
The ability to meet deadlines
Reliability
Critical Reasoning and Analytical Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Coping with multiple tasks
Managing one's own learning
Ability to handle personal problems
Learn new tasks willingly
Commit to the job
Creativity
Foreign languages
Lifelong learning
Analytical Skills
Strong Work Ethic


Sources:
http://www.kent.ac.uk/
http://bapp.cba.ksu.edu/
http://www.helium.com/
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/

3 Responses to What are the top ten skills that employers want?

  1. Top ten skills that employers want?

     
  2. This is a great list that employers reinforce every year in surveys. Here are some addiional articles about what employers want especially from new college graduates. One major skill employers want? Writing without errors.

    thehbcucareercenter(at)yahoo.com

     
  3. Thank you very much for the contribution!
    We should rename these skills into verbal & written communication skills.