The Traits that Employers Want: And it is not just Technical Skills

Mar 5th, 2025 | Hire Wire

As employers develop their talent strategy, what surprises most is what gets people hired.  Employers value a wide range of soft skills, which are often key to fostering effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving within a team. It is not unheard of for an employer to not hire the individual who has the strongest technical skill and opt for the candidate who possesses very strong soft skills.  Here are some of the most common traits that employers look for in hiring and retaining employees:

Communication: The ability to clearly express ideas, listen actively, and adapt communication styles depending on the audience.  People who can effectively communicate to all people of different backgrounds, from hourly personnel to C-suite executives, have a skillset sought out by employers.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Being able to work well with others, share responsibilities, and contribute to a group’s success. If a person can establish metrics and motivate a team to reach those metrics, this is a key skill to have.

Problem-solving: The capacity to identify issues, analyze possible solutions, and implement effective strategies to overcome challenges.

Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to stay open to change and adjust to new situations, processes, or environments.

Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your own emotions, while also empathizing with others to maintain positive relationships.

Leadership: Leading by example, motivating others, and providing guidance without necessarily holding a formal leadership role.

Conflict Resolution: The ability to navigate and resolve disputes professionally, maintaining a constructive and respectful work environment.

Creativity and Innovation: Thinking outside the box to generate new ideas, solutions, or approaches.

Work Ethic: Being reliable, committed, and diligent in completing tasks to the best of your ability.

Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with others, showing respect, and engaging positively in social interactions at work.

These soft skills are crucial for building strong workplace relationships and contributing to a positive organizational culture.  Many times, these skills are identified as early as the interview phase.  Keep these characteristics in mind when interviewing for a new role or a promotion within your organization.