Employers Seek Teamwork, Verbal Communication in Candidates

According to a new survey, the ability to work with a team is the most sought-after “soft skill” for employers hiring new college graduates.

Among employers who responded to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2012 survey, teamwork and verbal communication are the top “soft skills.” Decision-making and problem-solving skills, the ability to obtain and process information and the ability to plan, organize and prioritize work rounded out the top five.

Nearly 75 percent of employers said they use grade-point average (GPA) to screen new graduates, often placing the cutoff point at 3.0 or above.

Employers, what do you look for when filling a job opening? Are there "soft skills" that are more reliable indicators of future success?