What skills do employers seek in job candidates?
Bad news! The resumé you’ve been sending around town — you know, the one with buzzwords like “fast learner,” “team player” and “self-starter” — could be hurting your chances of getting a job. Tailoring your resumé to the job is always a priority, but you should also consider the city in which you’re applying. Send out a resumé with those keywords in San Diego, and you may do just fine, but many Phoenix employers say that other attributes are more important to them.
According to a recent study by Apollo Research Institute, the skills employers value most vary from city to city. For example, employers in Phoenix say they’re seeking candidates who are known for meeting deadlines, while employers in Kansas City prioritize candidates with strong interpersonal communication skills. In addition, your critical thinking and problem-solving skills are valuable assets — unless you live in Dallas, where collaboration, adaptability and self-starter skills prevail.
