Top 5 Skills & Attributes All Employers Seek

Entering the workforce and navigating the job market can seem a little intimidating at first. The good news is that with a carefully prepared application and a little job interview advice, you can easily make yourself a very attractive candidate for potential employers.

Firstly, you’ll want to think about exactly how you’re going to display your job skills and prove that you’re best suited to the position. You can do this through your CV and cover letter, as well as any other supporting documentation or media required. To help you shortlist some soft and hard skills to highlight in a job interview, here are the top 5 attributes employers are looking for in a new hire.

1. Integrity & Honesty

This relates mostly to the integrity of your work, but also to the quality and standard of your etiquette in the workplace. Remaining honest in your application and throughout your career will always prove an asset, particularly in regard to future testimonials and recommendations.

2. Good Communication

No matter what career you’re pursuing, having good communication skills is always a big advantage. This is true whether you are customer or client-facing, or even if you’re part of an internal team. People who can express themselves efficiently are always a positive influence on the job and employers know this.

3. Showing Initiative

You need to take initiative to show your potential employers that you’re eager to grow within the company. Express how you will be a great benefit to their particular business over the long run. Relate it to the dynamics of the position in question and illustrate you’ve done your research.

4. Problem-Solving

If you’re creative by nature and can think out of the box, then being a natural problem-solver may be a trait you can use to your advantage when looking for a new employment opportunity. People who are good at problem-solving can help a team get through issues and reach resolutions much quicker.

5. Being A Team Player

Almost all employers want people that can work well with existing and future team members. A big part of good teamwork means getting around the challenge of working alongside personalities you may clash with daily. Remaining positive and graceful while getting the job done is a powerful skill. We want to hear from you! Let us know if you have any more skills you’d like added to the list. Maybe you’d like to receive career advice regarding one of our higher certificate courses and business short courses? Contact an IQ Academy advisor today!