As you begin an internship or job search, you may be asking yourself this crucial question: What do employers really look for in a candidate?
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) asked this very same question to real employers and came up with this list of the most desirable skills and traits qualified candidates possess:
- Communication skills (both written and oral)
- Strong work ethic
- Team work skills
- Initiative
- Analytical skills
- Computer skills
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Technical skills
- Detail-oriented
- Organizational skills
- Self-confidence
- Leadership skills
Source: Job Outlook 2009, NACE
These skills are not necessarily acquired from any one particular major, but through a combination of education and experiences such as internships, volunteer work, and involvement in campus activities.
Any student from any major has the ability to possess these sought-after skills. So get out there and start gaining experience, take initiative, run for that leadership position, and begin developing the skills needed to make you a competitive candidate in today’s job market!
Check out NACE’s student website for more career-related information
For help looking for jobs or internships, writing your resume/cover letter, or practicing interview skills…contact the CDC at (570) 577-1238 or cdc@bucknell.edu or stop in!