Think You're Ready to Be Hired? Here Are Some of the Skills Employers Look for in Their Potential Employee

6.4 million people are currently out of work in the United States. If you're one of these people, or you're not happy in your current position, you may be hoping to find a new job in 2019. 

If that's the case, you'll need to learn which skills employers look for when they're hiring new employees. That way, you can brush up on those skills and highlight them during the interview process. 

Read on to learn what employers are looking for, and how you can increase your chances of getting hired this year. 

The Skills Employers Look For

Employers are looking for more than just the basic education and skills needed to do the job. They also want a variety of soft skills, which are personal skills (usually self-developed). Hard skills are the types of skills you learn while in school. Soft skills are often gained through experience or through personal growth opportunities. 

If you're hoping to get hired, here's a hard and soft skills list so you'll know just what employers are looking for:

Writing Skills

Close to 74% of employers are looking for strong written communication skills in their candidates. That's because writers are able to communicate clearly. And that's crucial since employees need to interact with clients, send emails, write reports, and more. 

Work Ethic

Work ethic and drive are developed throughout your life. Employers want to see that you're reliable, you take initiative, and you can work hard towards a goal. When you need to demonstrate your work ethic, look for solid examples that you can use in applications or interviews.

Maybe you worked for years for a black belt in a martial art. Perhaps you've overcome a disability even though the odds were against you. Or maybe you were the youngest person to be promoted into a certain position at your last company. Whatever it is, make sure you're demonstrating your work ethic and drive effectively.

Teamwork

Your ability to work well in a team situation is super important to employers. Unless you're working completely independently and won't be interacting with others, the ability to be a team player is critical 

The larger the company, the more likely it is that you'll be part of at least one team Employers want to see that you can work effectively with other. 

Computer Technology

These days, everyone needs to have at least a basic understanding of computer technology. And companies are increasingly requiring candidates to apply for positions using their internet platforms.

Some of the computer technology-related skills employers need include HTML, Microsoft Office Suite, Analytics, and social media. 

Leadership

Regardless of which role you're applying for, employers are looking for people who want to grow beyond that position. 

Leadership skills are a combination of many skills, including teamwork, time management, communication skills, and more.

Wrapping up

You may have many of the skills employers look for but are you demonstrating them effectively? It's not enough to have these skills- you need to be able to communicate them to your potential employer.

Take a look at your resume, and check if you've mentioned some of the skills above to help increase your job prospects this year. Not sure where to get started? Check out our resume services today.