Candidate Skills and Qualities
Employers rate the importance of candidate skills/qualities:
5-point scale: 1=Not important; 2=Not very important; 3=Somewhat important; 4=Very important; and 5=Extremely important
- Communication skills (verbal) 4.65
- Strong work ethic 4.61
- Teamwork skills (works well with others) 4.59
- Analytical skills 4.56
- Initiative 4.50
- Problem-solving skills 4.48
- Communication skills (written) 4.48
- Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) 4.40
- Computer skills 4.38
- Flexibility/adaptability 4.37
- Detail-oriented 4.18
- Technical skills 4.16
- Organizational skills 4.05
- Leadership skills 4.04
- Self-confidence 3.96
- Tactfulness 3.84
- Friendly/outgoing personality 3.72
- Creativity 3.70
- Strategic planning skills 3.35
- Entrepreneurial skills/risk-taker 3.19
- Sense of humor 2.99
Survey done by NACE, The National Association of Colleges and Employers