TOP TEN JOB SKILLS

There’s no doubt that competition for new jobs has been on the rise. As a result, employers are constantly challenged to revise their recruiting strategies to identify and hire top talent and Candidates must try to differentiate themselves from their competition. The following are 10 skills that are important to success in the workplace. Employers should evaluate Candidates to determine if they exhibit these skills and Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they have these skills in their personal tool kit. (Source: “10 Job Skills Every Employer Wants”, BusinessNewsDaily)

1. Commitment
Employers value employees who are committed to their company as well as their job. Dennis Boone, former president and CEO of Verizon New Jersey, says that he values commitment above all else.

2. The Extra Mile
Employees must be willing to go above and beyond what is typically required of them on the job. Employers should focus on this area during the interview process. Ask for concrete examples, both professional and personal, that demonstrate this ability.

3. Wear Multiple Hats
Those who show a willingness to get the job done, even if it is outside of their job description, are highly valued by employers.

4. Positive Attitude
A positive attitude in the workplace can mean increased productivity. Employees with positive attitudes tend to be more productive because they always view challenges as opportunities.

5. Decision Making
The ability to solve problems and make informed decisions is critical in today’s workplace. Employers want employees who can analyze information and make the right decisions. Similarly, employees want to feel empowered and trusted to make decisions without being micromanaged.

6. Passion
Employers want employees who are passionate about their job and their company. Elle Kaplan, CEO and founding partner of Lexion Capital Management LLC, looks for employees who are just as passionate about their job as the boss is. “When employees believe in the company’s mission, their job is no longer a job. It’s a calling,” Kaplan said. “I’ve learned firsthand that people work harder when they feel connected to and believe in you as a leader and the mission of the company.”

7. Organized
In today’s fast-moving business world, the worst thing an employee can be is a drain on their boss’ time, according to Nick Gidwani, founder of Skilledup.com. “Employees should always be adding value, and the easiest way to destroy value, is to be disorganized,” Gidwani said. “That could mean simple things like naming files or folders properly, or more substantial tasks like writing high-quality meeting recaps.”

8. Dependable
Wendy Pike, President of Twist Office Products, said she searches for employees who can be depended on to get the job done. “As an employer, we need to be able to count on our employees to show up on time and do the work we are paying them to do,” Pike said.

9. Communication
The importance of effective communication for employees and managers cannot be overemphasized. Good communication is required to satisfy customers, improve quality, and create innovative products. Everyone in the workplace has his or her own style of communication. Hearing and understanding what the other person says, as well as being able to get one’s point across, is what effective communication is all about.

10. Conscientiousness
Research indicates that conscientiousness and job performance are closely related. According to the American Psychological Association, conscientious employees are also responsible, dependable, organized and persistent — all traits that contribute to success.

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Fred Neufeld
President
CNI Recruiting
[email protected]
(908) 874-6148
www.cnirecruiting.com