15 Basic Skills Every Job Seeker Should Have

Most job-seekers wish they could unlock the
secret formula to winning the hearts and
minds of employers. What, they wonder, is
that unique combination of skills and values
that make employers salivate with
excitement?
Every employer is looking for a specific set of
skills from job-seekers that match the skills
necessary to perform a particular job. But
beyond these job-specific technical skills,
certain skills are nearly universally sought by
employers. The good news is that most job-
seekers possess these skills to some extent.
The better news is that job-seekers with
weaknesses in these areas can improve their
skills through training, professional
development, or obtaining coaching/mentoring
from someone who understands these skills.
The best news is that once you understand
the skills and characteristics that most
employer seek, you can tailor your job-search
communication — your resume, cover letter,
and interview language — to showcase how
well your background aligns with common
employer requirements.
Numerous studies have identified these
critical employability skills, sometimes
referred to as “soft skills.” We’ve distilled the
skills from these many studies into this list of
skills most frequently mentioned. We’ve also
included sample verbiage describing each
skill; job-seekers can adapt this verbiage to
their own resumes, cover letters, and
interview talking points.
So, what are these critical employability skills
that employers demand of job-seekers?
1. Communications Skills (listening, verbal,
written). By far, the one skill mentioned most
often by employers is the ability to listen,
write, and speak effectively. Successful
communication is critical in business.
2. Analytical/Research Skills. Deals with your
ability to assess a situation, seek multiple
perspectives, gather more information if
necessary, and identify key issues that need
to be addressed.
3. Computer/Technical Literacy. Almost all
jobs now require some basic understanding of
computer hardware and software, especially
word processing, spreadsheets, and email.
4. Interpersonal Abilities. The ability to
relate to your co-workers, inspire others to
participate, and mitigate conflict with co-
workers is essential given the amount of time
spent at work each day.
5. Leadership/Management Skills. While
there is some debate about whether
leadership is something people are born with,
these skills deal with your ability to take
charge and manage your co-workers.
6. Planning/Organizing. Deals with your
ability to design, plan, organize, and
implement projects and tasks within an
allotted timeframe. Also involves goal-setting.
7. Problem-Solving/Reasoning/
Creativity. Involves the ability to find
solutions to problems using your creativity,
reasoning, and past experiences along with
the available information and resources.
8. Teamwork. Because so many jobs involve
working in one or more work-groups, you
must have the ability to work with others in a
professional manner while attempting to
achieve a common goal.
9. Honesty/Integrity/Morality. Employers
probably respect personal integrity more than
any other value, especially in light of the
many recent corporate scandals.
10. Adaptability/Flexibility. Deals with
openness to new ideas and concepts, to
working independently or as part of a team,
and to carrying out multiple tasks or projects.
11. Dedication/Hard-Working/Work Ethic/
Tenacity . Employers seek job-seekers who
love what they do and will keep at it until
they solve the problem and get the job done.
12. Professionalism. Deals with acting in a
responsible and fair manner in all your
personal and work activities, which is seen as
a sign of maturity and self-confidence; avoid
being petty.
13. Self-Confidence. Look at it this way: if you
don’t believe in yourself, in your unique mix
of skills, education, and abilities, why should
a prospective employer? Be confident in
yourself and what you can offer employers.
14. Self-Motivated/Ability to Work With
Little or No Supervision. While teamwork is
always mentioned as an important skill, so is
the ability to work independently, with
minimal supervision.
15. Willingness to Learn. No matter what
your age, no matter how much experience you
have, you should always be willing to learn a
new skill or technique. Jobs are constantly
changing and evolving, and you must show an
openness to grow and learn with that change.
Final Thoughts on Employability Skills and
Values
Employability skills and personal values are
the critical tools and traits you need to
succeed in the workplace — and they are all
elements that you can learn, cultivate,
develop, and maintain over your lifetime.
Once you have identified the sought-after
skills and values and assessed the degree to
which you possess, them remember to
document them and market them (in your
resume, cover letter, and interview answers)
for job-search success.