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The Global Insight

What are the top 5 things employers look for?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on April 06, 2026

The top 5 skills employers look for include:

  • Critical thinking and problem solving.
  • Teamwork and collaboration.
  • Professionalism and strong work ethic.
  • Oral and written communications skills.
  • Leadership.

    What characteristics skills are employers looking for?

    In no particular order, here are the eight traits employers are really looking for:

    • Comfortable confidence. Employers want to hire professionals who are comfortable with themselves.
    • Willingness to listen and learn.
    • Adaptability.
    • Flexibility.
    • Self-reliance.
    • Teamwork.
    • Dependability.
    • Honesty.

    What are the top 10 qualities employers look for?

    Top 10 Skills/Qualities Employers Seek:

    • Ability to obtain and process information.
    • Ability to analyze quantitative data.
    • Technical knowledge related to the job.
    • Proficiency with computer software programs.
    • Ability to create and/or edit written reports.
    • Ability to sell or influence others.

    What are hard skill examples?

    Some of the most common examples of hard skills include:

    • A degree (or other academic qualification)
    • An industry specific certification.
    • Coding ability.
    • Foreign language skills.
    • Typing speed.
    • SEO marketing.
    • Bookkeeping.
    • Computer skills.

    What kind of traits do employers look for?

    Working as a team is a trait that employers value highly because teamwork skills are essential to the success of a business. Even positions that require employees to work on their own the majority of the time will need to be able to work as a team at some point.

    What makes an employer a good employer to work for?

    Aligning an employees values with the goals of the organization will foster loyalty and a bond between employer and employee. Fostering good relationships within an organization and offering constructive ways to handle conflict provides a win-win situation for both employer and employee.

    What do employers look for in a leader?

    When companies hire for leadership roles, they seek employees that can successfully interact with employees, colleagues, and customers. Even if you’re not applying for management jobs, leadership is a valuable skill to bring to the employer.

    What are the most important strengths of an employee?

    The 3 Most Important Employee Strengths are to be Coachable, Enthusiastic and a Tad Humble A coachable person is an employer’s dream. This can’t be overstated. Tied into the coachable personality is being consistently enthusiastic and a tad humble.