Job interviews can be a little anxiety-inducing for both new and experienced candidates. It is crucial to know what skills employers look for in job candidates.

Five key skills employers look for in job candidates:

1. Communication

Communication is essential for success in the workplace and career development. Proper and clear communication can sometimes even dissipate substantial issues. Effective speaking, listening, and writing skills are important for successful careers.

2. Problem-solving

In any company or job, employees will inevitably encounter unforeseen difficulties and setbacks. This makes it crucial for all workers in a company to have problem-solving skills. One main skill needed for solving problems is critical thinking, which enables individuals to evaluate information objectively to decide how to solve any specific problem. Employers usually hire individuals who have a history of taking initiative and coming up with innovative solutions.

3. Time management

Time really is money for employers. They want candidates who can consistently meet deadlines and manage several projects simultaneously. In interviews, being able to effectively describe instances where you had to balance priorities and the steps you took to meet them is critical.

4. Teamwork

Effective teamwork is essential for the success of every company. Every position in an organization is tied to other teams and departments. People who can cooperate well and appreciate other people’s perspectives typically generate fresh concepts in an efficient and successful manner. During job interviews, emphasize your ability to work in a team. Make sure to highlight specific situations where you successfully interacted with a group.

5. Flexibility

Companies prefer candidates who can tailor their approach to the needs of the organization and changing circumstances. Flexibility also shows the candidate’s propensity to learn new things and take on new and challenging responsibilities.

Impressing employers in job interviews

Simply having the required job skills is not a foolproof way to get hired. It is important to demonstrate that you are the best candidate suited for the position. This can be done by:

Understanding required skills from the employer’s perspective

Job interviews can sometimes feel like mind-bending chess games. But you can improve your chances for success by understanding the employer’s perspective and the reasons they are asking a particular question. Candidates should also understand why specific job skills are required for the advertised positions.

Doing a self-assessment to know when and how you have demonstrated these abilities in the past

Prior to applying for a role, conduct a self-assessment and list the skills you have that fit the job profile. This can help tailor your resume to the position and help you prepare for an interview.  Have a clear picture of the times you used these job-related skills in the past to deal with specific issues.

Ensure that an employer sees these skills/attributes in you

Interviewers often ask interview questions that call for you to describe a particular situation in the past when you had to use certain skills to address a situation, the steps you took, and what the outcome was. It is crucial to showcase your skills to the interviewer to get the job. Prepare in advance to be able to effectively demonstrate the five key skills outlined above and other skills that are required in the job posting. Knowing the skills employers look for and being prepared will help you stand out.

The Resource Connection, Inc., (TRC) specializes in Temporary Help, Temp to Hire, and Direct Hire placement of office, administrative, accounting, finance, customer service, human resources, legal support personnel and more.   TRC has been serving for Greater Boston area and the North Shore, for over 35 years.   An award-winning staffing firm, TRC is a certified women-owned business enterprise. Check out Current Job Openings.