The Top Skill Employers Look For Isn’t Tech Knowledge

Businesses favor communication and concentration

Strong soft skills are the most in-demand job candidate characteristic, according to a new survey that found fewer employers feel quantitative skills (50 percent) or computer and technical skills (47 percent) are the most important.

Listening skills were identified as the most common trait employers are looking for — followed by attention to detail and attentiveness, the ability to communicate effectively and critical thinking skills. Some employers also said they’re looking for jobseekers who possess interpersonal skills.

Finding qualified candidates, though, has been very or somewhat difficult for the majority of employers (73 percent). Slightly more than a third (34 percent) say they feel schools haven’t properly prepared students to be part of the workforce.

Students seem to agree. Seventy-seven percent say they’re concerned about having the necessary skills to perform a job.

To learn more about why strong soft skills are the top skill employers look for in candidates, view the findings from the survey, which was commissioned by Cengage.