In this video, employers describe some of the skills that they look for in applicants.
Remember that from reading your application, the recruiter already believes you could be a good match for the skills they require. Now is the time to convince them. Here, we have provided a list of the skills most commonly sought by recruiters, although be aware that each recruiter may have a slightly different definition of such skills. You may be familiar with them if you have already completed our previous course How to Succeed at: Writing Applications.
Communication
- Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly both orally and in writing.
- Willingness to question and listen to others to aid your own understanding and that of others.
- Ability to convey complex information at the right level so it is understood by others.
Teamwork
- Ability to form relationships at all levels and motivate and support other team members.
- Willingness to ask others for advice or help when solving a problem.
- Ability to work fairly and productively alongside others.
Organisation and time management
- Setting objectives and planning activities and resources to achieve a goal.
- Ability to manage time effectively to prioritise activities and meet deadlines.
- Achieving a productive and satisfying work-life balance.
Problem solving
- Ability to understand information quickly and accurately.
- Appreciation of all the variables affecting an issue.
- Ability to evaluate and choose workable solutions to problems.
Motivation
- Energetic and enthusiastic approach to work/tasks.
- Desire to continuously learn and develop and evaluate own performance.
- Perseverance in the face of obstacles.
Leadership
- Having a clear vision with the ability to enthuse and influence others by gaining their trust and support.
- Ability to listen, share and delegate when appropriate.
- Willingness to take responsibility for a task or project to ensure it gets done.
Creativity, flexibility and openness to change
- To be original and express different views, ideas or solutions.
- Willingness to challenge the status quo when appropriate and consider change.
- An openness to others’ ideas with a willingness to adapt.
Confidence / assertiveness
- Willingness to express needs, views and feelings clearly, confidently and courteously.
- Appreciation of the value of one’s own abilities and role.
- Willingness to put forward ideas and stand firm on a minority or unpopular view when appropriate.
Interpersonal, intercultural and global awareness
- Awareness and tolerance of the diverse needs, feelings and views of others.
- Willingness to support, help and share information with others.
- Ability to communicate and work with people from different social and cultural backgrounds and from different countries.
Numeracy
- Ability to interpret statistics and numerical data.
- Ability to solve numerical problems.
- Familiarity with the ways in which numerical information is gathered and presented.
Information and IT literacy
- Confidence when using information technology with an ability to learn new packages.
- Ability to identify how IT can be applied to improve efficiency and solve problems.
- Knowing where and how to find relevant information.
Business / commercial awareness and professionalism
- Understanding of the need for high quality customer service and innovative approaches.
- Awareness of how economic and political issues can affect organisations and their products or services.
- Recognition of the importance of a professional and responsible approach to your own role within an organisation.
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