As a job seeker, it may seem impossible to guess what potential employers expect out of you. Between hard and soft skills, it can be overwhelming and almost impractical to possess all the qualities employers are looking for.

Fortunately for you, you don’t have to do the guesswork anymore. Today, we’re breaking down six of the top qualities employees are looking for in potential candidates.

1.  Communication Skills

No matter the industry or the job, good communication skills are vital. In life, you’ll always need to communicate with other people. Learning to do this, and doing it well, is imperative. Improving your communication skills is easier than you think and there are plenty of online resources to help.

2.  Work Ethic

This is a no-brainer.  Every employer wants someone that is going to work hard and be proud about doing so. It’s easy to get caught up in the monotony of work. Having a strong work ethic will carry you far even when you can’t seem to find the motivation. Your boss and your bank account will thank you!

3.  Flexibility/Adaptability

Flexibility and adaptability are two very important qualities to have as a job candidate. Flexibility is the capacity to adjust to short-term change, quickly and calmly, so that you can deal with unexpected problems or tasks effectively. For example, let’s say you’re hired as a social media manager, but your boss needs you to help out with some event planning. Though it may not be a part of your job duties, being flexible enough to take on a task like that shows you’re not rigid in your abilities. Employers love those they can count on to do different things when needed. This is especially important if you’re interested in taking on new roles or moving to other positions within the company.

On the other hand, being adaptable is having the ability to adjust to changes in your environment. Like life, work can be pretty unpredictable. Having to deal with unexpected things can be stressful and sometimes discouraging, so it’s important to be able to adapt. Knowing how to roll with the punches and make the best of any situation will prove to be very handy when job searching and even beyond.

4. Team Oriented

Being team-oriented is another must on our list! At one point or another, you’ll have to work with other people. Being a part of a team is completely different from working as an individual. Knowing your place on a team and effectively being a part of said team is a skill worth having. Employers want people they know can work great alongside others, all working towards one or several common goals.

5.  Willingness to Learn

Being willing to learn is a game changer. Many hiring managers have admitted that the candidates that land the position aren’t always the ones that check all the requirements. With every role comes new duties and responsibilities, so just having skills isn’t enough. If you’re not willing to learn new things, you can only go so far. Employers want employees that are open to learning, and growing, and are excited about the opportunity to do so.

6.  Problem-Solving Skills

Finishing off this list, problem-solving skills are essential. With any job or career you will have, you will be faced with situations that require unique responses. Having the ability to think critically and come up with possible solutions is an important key to gaining favor from potential employers.

While this list isn’t everything every employer is looking for, it does cover a very important few. No matter what position you’re looking for, these skills will become very handy for you.

Mastering these qualities will give you the edge you need to get the job you want! Think about how you measure up in each of the categories, but remember, there’s always room for improvement. If you work hard to make these qualities a part of who you are, you’ll have no problem convincing potential employers why you’re perfect for the job!

Thanks for reading and learning this week. We hope this helped!  Check back next week for more as we dive deeper into the wonderful world of staffing!