When you think of a perfect candidate for your open position, there is usually a long list of qualities you want to see. Often, work experience tops that list. While relevant work experience is an important skill, it is not the most crucial element to look for in your potential employee. A report by EmploymentCrossing suggests that passion is more important than experience as it lays the foundation of a long-term relationship between the employee and the company. There are also many soft and hard skills that you should look for, especially if you are hiring fresh graduates. Look beyond the resume and find innovative ways to evaluate the skills that matter the most in the job. Here are the top skills to look for in prosthetic employees.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is necessary for all kinds of jobs and is the key to problem-solving. Employees should be able to analyze data, form hypotheses, observe results, and draw meaningful conclusions. According to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employees, critical thinking is the top priority of employers when hiring potential employees. While employers believe critical thinking is 99.2% essential, they say that only 55.8% of workers are proficient in this skill.
Teamwork and Collaborative Skills
Teamwork and collaboration are part of almost all professions, and it is crucial for jobs across nearly every industry. From marketing to construction, teamwork and collaboration are necessary to keep the company functioning. Mutual interaction and deliberation can lead to the success and growth of the company. Since every employee has a different set of ideas, collaboration leads to the best possible solution. Most employers believe that while critical thinking was something a candidate could improve on as they work, teamwork and collaboration is the most impressive quality. In fact, 97.5% of employers consider teamwork and collaboration as critical qualities in potential employees, but only 77% believe that fresh graduates demonstrate these qualities.
Work Etiquette and Professionalism
No matter the job, professionalism and a strong work ethic are considered top qualities for employers. In a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers , 100% of employers said that professionalism and a strong work ethic are the most important. However, the same employers said that only 42.5% of recent graduates demonstrated these qualities.
A strong work ethic and professionalism can be developed through simple things like finishing your work on time and maintaining a daily work schedule.
Oral and Written Communication Skills
Communication is one of the skills that is talked about the most. Having good communication skills means that you are actively able to listen, share your own thoughts, and understand other perspectives. Good communicators are effective at reading both verbal and non-verbal cues. The proliferation of digital media technologies and instant text messaging has led to a general decline in communication skills in younger generations. However, face-to-face conversations are key to deliberation and negotiation in various business meetings. Similarly, written skills (especially email writing) are critical to most jobs. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 95.6% of employers find communication skills important, while only 41.6% feel that graduates demonstrate those skills.
Leadership Skills
Leadership is a balanced combination of effective communication, professionalism, work ethic, and teamwork. The best leaders encourage their teams, filling them with passion and enthusiasm, especially during adversity. 68.6% of employers said they are seeking candidates that exhibit leadership skills, while only 33% of them noted that recent graduates demonstrate such skills.
Adaptability
Adaptability is a critical skill, especially in a current job market rife with uncertainty. Businesses are constantly facing a stream of challenges, and as such, the ability to work continuously in the face of these hurdles is important. Business leaders look for candidates who demonstrate greater adaptability instead of just work experience.
At KangarooStar, we believe these soft skills are as important as the hard skills mentioned in the job description. Focusing on them can help you find the ideal candidate who aligns with your company’s culture.
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