Skills desired by employers and hiring mangers

ST. PAUL, MN - Wouldn't it be nice to have a crystal ball so you could "see" what magical combination of knowledge, skills and abilities employers are looking for in candidates? I think we could all agree that having such abilities would certainly help as we interview for positions, right? Well, we know that every employer is looking for a specific set of skills from job-seekers. But many interviewers have stated that they rarely focus "solely" on the attributes listed on the job description. It's expected that if you're applying for the position that you have the minimal basic skill set needed.

So the question still remains...what is it that employers are looking for? There are certain skills and attributes that are universally sought by employers. Most likely you possess one or more of these attributes which is good news! Even better news is that the attributes employers seek are those that you can improve upon through training, professional development, or obtaining coaching/mentoring from someone who understands these skills. Once you understand the skills and attributes that most employers seek, you can tailor your resume, cover letter, and interview language to highlight how well your background aligns with common employer requirements.

There have been numerous studies identifying these critical employability skills, sometimes referred to as "soft skills" or "transferable skills". The following are some of the most frequently mentioned skills from hiring managers: Communication Skills, Analytical & Research Skills, Computer & Technical Literacy, Flexibility & Adaptability, and Interpersonal Abilities.

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