1. What skills do employers want?
Several surveys have asked employers about the skills they are looking for in their employees. Here are some of the
things they identified:
Survey Three
Survey One Survey Two
Abilities & skills employers want
Communication Willingness to learn Drive / energy - the desire to get things done
Dependability / Motivation - enthusiasm, a willingness to ask questions, keen
Working with others
Reliability to do that little bit extra on each job
Communication skills - the ability to expalin things clearly,
Information handling Self-motivation through speech and in writing, in your own and, increasingly,
another's language
Information Determination - someone who will not back off when a problem
Team work
technology or situation gets tough
Communication skills Confidence - ability to relate to people at all levels, friendly,
Numeracy
(oral) open and honest in their communications
Communication skills Reliability - follows up and doesn't rely on others to ensure that
Business awareness
(written) a job is done
Analytical ability - doesn't jump to the first solution that
IT Skills
presents itself
Honesty / Integrity - a willingness to take responsibility for your
Numeracy skills
actions
Drive / energy Pride in a job well done - someone who is attentive to detail
Dedication - does whatever it takes in time and effort to ensure
Self-management
a successful result
Desire to achieve / Listening skills - to understand and take account of alternative
motivation points of view
Commercial awareness - knows what makes money and saves
Problem-solving ability
money
The surveys have used different words, but there are patterns in what employers are saying.
http://www.careers4graduates.org/changing/employerswant.php