In today\u2019s competitive job market, there\u2019s more to getting hired than just matching the qualifications.<\/p>\n

Whether it’s interpersonal qualities, specific job skills, or personality characteristics, employers look for a blend in the ideal candidate. When you\u2019re immersed in the job search alongside hundreds or even thousands of other candidates, highlighting the right qualities can help you stand out from the crowd.<\/p>\n

What Skills Do Employers Look For?<\/h2>\n

Highlighting your strongest and most marketable skills on a resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile can help create a powerful impression that gets you through the door. While each industry and job requires a different set of skills, certain core qualities are essential to prove yourself as the right fit.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve shared five of the most sought-after skills that employers look for in candidates.<\/p>\n

Leadership<\/h3>\n

One of the many soft skills that employers look for is leadership. Whether you\u2019re managing a team or taking a head role in a collaborative project, leadership involves keeping others on task and accountable. When you demonstrate great leadership, you\u2019re also accepting responsibility for outcomes, volunteering to take on assignments, and being prepared to take charge in challenging situations, and employers love to see that skill in potential employees.<\/p>\n

To demonstrate leadership on a resume, you can emphasize skills like dedication, dependability, active listening, integrity, communication, delegation, responsibility, and decisiveness.<\/p>\n

Problem-Solving<\/h3>\n

Problem-solving skills allow you to objectively assess a situation and determine how to move forward. It means seeking solutions despite challenges and setbacks in the workplace.<\/p>\n

Employers look for candidates who can take action and brainstorm solutions to some of the problems the company faces. Skills to highlight include communication, decision making, research, creativity, critical thinking, and analytic thinking.<\/p>\n

Cross-Functional Collaboration<\/h3>\n

Regardless of the role, teamwork skills are critical. Even in positions that rely heavily on independent work, you\u2019ll still be expected to connect with other roles, teams, and departments.<\/p>\n

Cross-functional collaboration means being able to cooperate with colleagues who may each specialize in different areas. Despite having different areas of expertise, the team members need to be able to work toward a common goal and implement new strategies to improve operations.<\/p>\n

To show your collaborative skills, you can highlight communication, openness, the ability to give and receive feedback, flexibility, empathy, and responsibility.<\/p>\n

Self-Management<\/h3>\n

In fast-paced work environments, self-management is crucial. Employers want to know that their staff can manage their own time effectively and stay on track, without anyone looking over their shoulder.<\/p>\n

Self-management skills allow you to manage your own time, keep track of your progress, and maximize your productivity. In addition to contributing to the company\u2019s growth, you should focus on your own professional growth day by day.<\/p>\n

There are some skills to feature on your resume include time management, organization, motivation, goal setting, multitasking, strategic thinking, and prioritization, that will show great self-management.<\/p>\n

Initiative<\/h3>\n

Employers look for candidates who will take initiative in the workplace instead of waiting for their boss to direct them. This means being proactive about opportunities and finding new ways to move the company toward its goals.<\/p>\n

Demonstrating this kind of inner drive can prove that you\u2019ll add a lot of value to the company. Skills to highlight include initiative, self-motivation, organization, persistence, and diligence.<\/p>\n

What Employers Want To See From You<\/h2>\n

If you ask recruiters what they look for in an applicant, you\u2019ll hear a lot of similar answers: efficiency, dedication, honesty, leadership, and motivation. These qualities can prove that you\u2019re the right fit, but there\u2019s more to the ideal candidate than technical or soft skills. There are certain traits employers look for that might not be as visible.<\/p>\n

These elements of the hiring process are often overlooked, but they can help you stand out among equally qualified or even more experienced candidates.<\/p>\n