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Employers seek college grads with leadership, teamwork skills

November 19, 2014

Employers considering new college graduates for job openings seek leaders who can work as part of a team and communicate effectively, according to a survey of 260 employers by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Employers surveyed were members of NACE.

When asked which attributes they look for on a candidate's resume, 77.8 percent of employers participating in NACE’s Job Outlook 2015 survey chose both “leadership” and “the ability to work in a team structure.”

The survey found participants seek the following skills/qualities:

  • Leadership: 77.8 percent
  • Ability to work in a team: 77.8 percent
  • Communication skills (written): 73.4 percent
  • Problem-solving skills: 70.9 percent
  • Strong work ethic: 70.4 percent
  • Analytical/qualitative skills: 68.0 percent
  • Technical skills: 67.5 percent
  • Communication skills (verbal): 67.0 percent
  • Initiative: 66.5 percent
  • Computer skills: 62.6 percent

Data for the Job Outlook 2015 survey were collected from Aug. 11 through Oct. 7, 2014.