Teamwork, Leadership Most Important 'Soft Skills' on a Résumé

According to a recent survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), out of the so-called “soft skills,” employers are most likely to look for evidence that a job candidate is able to work as part of a team.

Nearly 80 percent of respondents to NACE’s Job Outlook 2012 survey said they look for evidence that the potential employee can work in a team. More than three-quarters said they want a candidate who has leadership abilities and written communication skills. The other two “soft skills” most cited by employers are problem-solving skills and a strong work ethic.

“Overall, results show that the ability to work in a team is the number one soft skill employers seek in their new hires,” NACE Director of Research Edwin Koc said. “Consequently, job candidates need to showcase that ability in their interactions with employers, not just on the résumé, but in the interview as well.”