Communication skills and a strong work ethic are among the top qualities employers are looking for in job applicants, according to a study released by The National Association of Colleges and Employers earlier this month.
The study revealed that employers look beyond students” grade point averages when selecting a prospective employee from a stack of applications, but similar studies by the University”s Career Planning and Placement office show that a student”s GPA remains a factor for future employment.
Terri LaMarco, associate director of CP&P, said a similar survey done by her office confirms the NACE findings.
“We get consistent results in our surveys. Employers are looking for someone with interpersonal, problem-solving and leadership skills. They also want a team player,” LaMarco said.
Qualities such as creativity and a sense of humor in job candidates ranked lower on the survey.
Other qualities that top NACE”s list for desirable job candidates include honesty and integrity, teamwork and interpersonal skills.
“An employer given the choice between a sense of a humor and one who can work with others is going to take the team player,” LaMarco said.
“Personality is something that doesn”t go on a resume. It”s something exhibited on a second or third interview,” she said, adding that some qualities that can”t be expressed on paper.
Engineering junior Lora Hesch said employers are not looking for students who meet the minimum requirements for employment.
“Employers are looking for people who can go beyond the job requirements and be leaders as well as interact with other people,” she said.
NACE Executive Director Marilyn Mackes said in a written statement that employers are also looking for well-rounded applicants to fill positions.
Many students said they agree with NACE and CP&P, saying that an interest in the job and the right qualifications improve their chances of obtaining a job.
“Employers are more interested in how well they communicate, if they fit the company”s culture and their commitment to hard work and integrity,” Mackes said.
LaMarco said helping students understand the meaning of integrity is a difficult task.
“Integrity and ethics is what NACE is pointing to,” she said. “You need to have integrity, but it”s harder to give students examples of that. Job applicants need to show that previous employers have trusted them.”
LaMarco said students misunderstand the importance of GPAs.
The study”s de-emphasis on grades is something CP&P has been trying to convey to students.
“Organizations use GPAs as an objective measure to separate people out. It tells them something about the applicants,” said LaMarco.
“They want someone well-rounded. A high GPA with no co-curriculars or no jobs isn”t what they”re after,” she added.