What do employers want?

What do employers want?

Find a job

Knowing what your employer is looking for can make your job hunt a lot easier.

While each employer will have their own specifications, generally they're on the look out for a mix of hard and soft skills that not only helps you accel in your role, but also bond with your colleagues and form meaningful relationships. Here's a list of some of the most common skills and attributes that employers will be on the look out for in your CV:

  • Willingness to learn
  • Commitment
  • Dependability
  • Self-motivation
  • Teamwork
  • Oral communication skills
  • Cooperation
  • Written communication skills
  • Drive / Energy
  • Self-management
  • Desire to achieve / Motivation
  • Problem solving
  • Analytical ability
  • Flexibility
  • Initiative
  • Can summarise key issues
  • Logical argument
  • Business awareness
  • Numeracy
  • Adaptability

Source: Harvey L. et al. (1997), Graduate Work, organisational change and students attributes, CRQ, University of Central England.