Every employer is looking for evidence that you have the technical skills and personal qualities needed to perform well in a particular job. According to the Job Outlook 2008 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, communication skills—both written and verbal—top the list of qualities that employers look for in job candidates. Employers rated “strong work ethic” equally as important as communication skills. In addition, initiative, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving skills received high ratings from employers.
The survey also pointed out that unfortunately the very qualities employers look for are the qualities they find lacking in many new graduates. More than a third of employers say new graduates lack face-to-face communication skills. They say many students tend to lack interview and presentation skills, telephone skills, and overall interpersonal (gets along well with others) skills.

It is evident that employability skills and personal values are the critical tools and traits you need in order to succeed in the workplace—and they are all elements that you can learn, cultivate, develop, and maintain over your lifetime. How can you maximize your experience at Ohio State? By choosing carefully among your GEC(s) and your elective courses; choosing a combination of major and minors that complement each other; and seeking opportunities to get involved on campus beyond academics.

Employers rate the importance of candidate qualities/skills:

Communications Skills: By far, the one skill mentioned most often by employers is the ability to listen, write, and speak effectively. Successful communication is critical in any work environment. Consider enrolling in an oral expression class at OSU such as AGR COMM 390, declaring the Professional Writing Minor (http://www.estw.org), or taking an extra writing class.

Analytical/Research Skills: Employers value new employees who have the ability to think on their feet, evaluate and organize information, solve problems and focus their thinking. You can enhance these skills by taking classes and getting involved in projects that allow you to exercise critical judgment, acquire and evaluate information, make decisions and solve problems.

Leadership and Diversity Skills: Employers seek graduates who can demonstrate leadership both on and off campus. Community activities and academic class work, (as well as jobs and internships) provide excellent opportunities to take charge of a project and therefore develop your leadership skills.

At OSU consider participating in the Diversity Leadership Transcript Program (http://multiculturalcenter.osu.edu/dltp) or find out about the Mount Leadership Society, a Scholars program designed to encourage community service and leadership. Ask your academic advisor for classes to enhance leadership skills such as Edu P&L 270(Leadership) and Edu P&L 271 (Leadership in Community Service). Consult the Ohio State University Diversity Course booklet (co-sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Student Affairs and the Multicultural Center) to learn more about diversity courses, minors, and foreign language classes than can enhanced your diversity skills. Consider Studying Abroad!

Teamwork Skills: All work environments require the ability to work with others and be a part of a team. Employers look for new hires to be able to fit into their system and be an active team member. Take advantage of opportunities to participate in intramural sport classes, design group projects or presentations, participate in a musical or theater group, and/or become an officer in a club or organization.

Among the personal values employers seek in employees, the most important are:

Work Ethic/Honesty/Integrity/Morality: Employers probably respect personal integrity more than any other value, especially in light of the many recent corporate scandals. Taking an ethics class like Philosophy 130 or an ethics course related to your major may be a good recommendation.

Interpersonal skills: The ability to relate to your co-workers, inspire others to participate, and mitigate conflict with co-workers is essential given the amount of time spent at work each day. Courses in Social and Behavioral Sciences in general tend to convey to employers that you do have interpersonal and people skills.

Dependability/Reliability/Responsibility: There’s no question that all employers desire employees who will arrive to work every day, on time, and ready to work; as well as those who will take responsibility for their actions.

Initiative / Positive Attitude / Motivation/Energy / Passion. The job-seekers who get hired and the employees who get promoted are the ones with drive and passion—and who demonstrate this enthusiasm through their words and actions

For further information about which classes to take, consider talking to your academic advisor. Career Connection can also assist you in the process and can teach you how to translate your skills and qualities into a good résumé, cover letter, and interview skills.
Career Connection is located on the 2nd floor of the Younkin Success Center. Please, visit http://www.careerconnection.osu.edu or call (614) 688-3898 to make an appointment. Walk-in hours are available.