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If you are looking for your first job, a college degree will certainly be your main asset in this search. However, when it comes time for hiring you, companies will not only look at your professional or tech-nical knowledge, but also at whether you possess key competen-cies and skills that will better determine your success in a given position and as part of their organization.

Competencies are underlying characteristics of behavior, which can lead to superior performance in a job. Many companies have developed competency models outlining competencies that fit their unique cultures and business goals. Furthermore, some organizations have created competency models specifically tailored to different areas and roles.

The following are core competencies that come up quite often in different models. As you explore job opportunities, pay attention to the competencies that are most relevant to the job and the organization you choose because they will help you ascertain whether the job you want is indeed the best fit for you.

Adaptability: There is no doubt that the business environment is tremendously dynamic and always changing. Adaptability reflects the ability to accept changes and modify a course according to new business priorities.

Appreciation for diversity: More than ever, demographic changes are reshaping the work environment. This means that you’ll be part of a workforce where different cultures, generations, genders, religions, sexual orientations, ethnicities and ways of thinking are represented. While there is richness in this diversity, there also is an inherent tension and challenge in bringing different people to work together toward a common goal. The ability to appreciate this diversity and create an inclusive environment that welcomes everybody to make their best contributions is a valued competency, which is particularly essential in leaders.

Communication skills: The ability to communicate eloquently is key in succeeding in negotiating with and in persuading and influencing others, which are important to a successful career.

Building relationships: By now you’ve probably realized that no relevant task is accomplished in a vacuum. Oftentimes, work must be delegated to others. Thus, the ability to build relationships with co-workers, customers and suppliers by creating partnerships and dealing effectively with conflict will be decisive in your success.

Teamwork: A team can be your own department, your group, a task force you’ve been assigned to and, at a larger scale, the entire organization. As a team member you’ll be expected to contribute with your best to the team’s success. This has to do with working effectively with others by being able to compromise and work with others toward common goals.

Continuous learning: Again, this is a relevant capability in a business environment that evolves rapidly. More so, this is about showing that you enjoy discovering new things and developing your skills and capabilities.

Customer focus: Whether supporting external or internal customers, your focus must be on the quality of the service that you provide. Remember, there is always competition and customers can always choose to go with somebody else.

Innovation: In such a strong competitive business environment, businesses are always looking for new ways of doing things better and more efficiently. Innovation — looking at things from different angles and being able to find creative solutions to business challenges — is a quality that is most valued.

Decision-making: No matter what your role is, you’ll probably have some decision-making power. This competency shows that you can solve problems and make sound decisions.

Delivering results: It’s very important to show that your job is more than performing tasks, but that what you do makes a difference in the performance of your area and the business.

When preparing for an interview, think about the things that you’ve accomplished, the projects you’ve worked on in the past, and present them so that they can be an example of how you possess these competencies.