Top 10 Skills Employers Seek in Job Applicants

Your qualifications do matter when applying for a job, but have you thought of a large number of people that have the same qualification as you do that are seeking the same job and position as you? What do you think will make you stand out from the rest? In this blog, the top skills employers seek are discussed.

There are two types of skills:

• Hard skills
• Soft skills

Hard skills are tangible skills that are specific to your career field, while soft skills are intangible skills and can be used across different career fields. It has more to do with your personal attributes.

Employees look out for these skills in their applicants because to them; the skills show you are competent and a good fit for the job. Therefore, it is necessary for you to list them in your resume.

Top skills employers seek in candidates

1. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are the skills you use in communicating, interacting, and engaging with others. Your interpersonal skills will determine your ability to connect with people.

This skill will help you build networks that will not only be beneficial to the organization you are working for but also to yourself. Included in your interpersonal skills are your sense of humor, your tolerance level, respect, empathy, and sensitivity.

Learn more about personal interview questions and how to answer them!

2. Communication

Irrespective of the job or the job sector you are applying for, communication skill is a necessity. You cannot do without communicating with people, and if you want increased productivity, you have to make your communication an effective one.

Whether you are communicating verbally, non-verbally, or by written means, you should ensure that you convey your message in a way that your audience easily understands it. You should also pay close attention to them and respond accordingly.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

3. Technical skills

These skills vary depending on your career field. It is required that you have some technical abilities if you are applying for specific positions. Nowadays, the use of technology in carrying out tasks has become a necessity in the workplace; hence, the need for people that are skilled and good with the use of technology.

Technical skills include computer skills, e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, graphic design, etc. It also includes social media skills like social media marketing and promotions, content writing, web analytics, search engine optimization, and web designing.

4. Analytical skills

Your potential employer would like to know that you have the capability to figure things out on your own. A job applicant should be able to identify a problem, think it through, analyze it, and come up with possible solutions to it. Possessing analytical abilities also means that you have the ability to make decisions, plan, organize, and prioritize things.

5. Leadership

Leadership skill is a skill every employer looks out for in job candidates. It is a skill that is needed for running every organization. Your employer will like to know that you can take control of things, even in his absence. If you have leadership skills, you will be able to easily interact with others, delegate duties, and motivate others to do much better.

Learn more about leadership interview questions and how to answer them!

6. Teamwork

Almost every type of job involves teamwork. Even if you are working independently, at one point or the other, you may need to collaborate with one or two people to achieve a better result. Employers don’t want employees that will not cooperate and makes things difficult for others.

You will need to prove that you have a team spirit by saying how you were able to manage others, take on responsibilities, build good relationships at work and how you helped others achieve their career goals.

Learn more about teamwork interview questions and how to answer them!

7. Negotiation and persuasion

People tend to think negotiation and persuasion have to do with only your opinion, but that is far from it. To effectively apply this skill, you ought to have developed your listening, communication, and empathy skills as you will need to apply them here.

You first have to listen to what the person you are persuading or negotiating with has to say, empathize with them if need be. Then, lay yours on the table. The aim is that in the end, you both get what you want, and both of you are satisfied with the outcome.

Learn more about negotiation skills interview questions and how to answer them!

8. Resilience

Work is not easy every day, and there are going to be busy days. There are going to be days you would be meeting with the troublesome type of customers. There are days you would be faced with pressure coming from your employer or your manager. In all, you should be able to face it squarely and not fret, run or give up.

You should be able to prove to your potential employer that you are a goal-getter irrespective of obstacles or challenges you may face.

9. Management skills

This skill encompasses many qualities that are directed at managing not only people and tasks but yourself as well. It also involves time management.

Employers always lookout to hire candidates that can communicate clearly, are organized, committed, and carry out tasks effectively while at the same time meeting deadlines. Other skills related to managerial skills are leadership, teamwork, planning and organizing, task delegation, and decision making.

Learn more about management interview questions and how to answer them!

10. Confidence and knowledge of business

Confidence usually comes with knowledge. When you know something, it gives you the confidence to boldly stand and face people. This applies to the workplace. You get to meet different people, and you might need to explain things to them concerning the company’s goods or services.

You need to have first-hand knowledge of what the company stands for, the products and services they offer, and how people can benefit from them. Secondly, you need to have confidence in yourself and the quality of goods or services rendered by the company.

People will listen more to you when you exhibit signs of confidence.

Describing your skills on your CV

These tips will guide you when listing out your skills on your CV.

• Draw attention to your past achievements as related to the required skills
• Lookout first for the skills required in the job description then list yours starting with the most relevant ones
• Put down both hard and soft skills but remember to give attention to the soft skills as they tell more about your personality

Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers

Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!

1. Accomplishments
2. Adaptability
3. Admission
4. Behavioral
5. Career Change
6. Career Goals
7. Communication
8. Competency
9. Conflict Resolution
10. Creative Thinking
11. Cultural Fit
12. Customer Service
13. Direct
14. Experience
15. Government
16. Graduate
17. Growth Potential
18. Honesty & Integrity
19. Illegal
20. Inappropriate
21. Job Satisfaction
22. Leadership
23. Management
24. Entry-Level & No experience
25. Performance-Based
26. Personal
27. Prioritization & Time Management
28. Problem-solving
29. Salary
30. Situational & Scenario-based
31. Stress Management
32. Teamwork
33. Telephone Interview
34. Tough
35. Uncomfortable
36. Work Ethic