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What skills do employers value most when hiring for jobs or internships?
I’m a student exploring different career options and want to be better prepared for future jobs or internships. I’d like to know which skills employers look for most so I can start developing them now through school, activities, or part-time work.
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18 answers
Updated
Siva’s Answer
Hello Karina,
Mr.Teklemuz's answer above does a great job listing many skills employers value. Rather than adding another long list, I want to give you a practical way to think and act on it.
The good news is: as a student today, you are already a digital native. That’s an advantage. The key is how you use it.
Here are three simple steps you can start now:
1. Build strong digital skills, no matter your career choice. Every job today has a digital component — communication tools, data, automation, AI, or platforms. Learn how to use technology not just to consume content, but to create, organize, and improve things. This applies whether you’re interested in business, healthcare, engineering, arts, or science.
2. Align your skill-building with what genuinely interests you. Pay attention to what excites you and what you are naturally curious about. Then look for opportunities like volunteering, part-time work, clubs, or personal projects, where you can grow those skills. Motivation follow where your learning align with your interest.
3. Add a digital element to real experiences. Whatever you do, be it organizing an event, helping a club, volunteering, or working a job. ask yourself: How can I use technology or digital tools to do this better, faster, or smarter? This mindset turns everyday experiences into career-building opportunities.
In my hiring process I don’t expect them to know everything. I look for curiosity, initiative, and the ability to learn by doing. I believe other employers do the same. So, start small, take action, and reflect often — that is how your perfect your skills.
Good luck!
– Siva
Mr.Teklemuz's answer above does a great job listing many skills employers value. Rather than adding another long list, I want to give you a practical way to think and act on it.
The good news is: as a student today, you are already a digital native. That’s an advantage. The key is how you use it.
Here are three simple steps you can start now:
1. Build strong digital skills, no matter your career choice. Every job today has a digital component — communication tools, data, automation, AI, or platforms. Learn how to use technology not just to consume content, but to create, organize, and improve things. This applies whether you’re interested in business, healthcare, engineering, arts, or science.
2. Align your skill-building with what genuinely interests you. Pay attention to what excites you and what you are naturally curious about. Then look for opportunities like volunteering, part-time work, clubs, or personal projects, where you can grow those skills. Motivation follow where your learning align with your interest.
3. Add a digital element to real experiences. Whatever you do, be it organizing an event, helping a club, volunteering, or working a job. ask yourself: How can I use technology or digital tools to do this better, faster, or smarter? This mindset turns everyday experiences into career-building opportunities.
In my hiring process I don’t expect them to know everything. I look for curiosity, initiative, and the ability to learn by doing. I believe other employers do the same. So, start small, take action, and reflect often — that is how your perfect your skills.
Good luck!
– Siva
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Employers value a combination of hard and soft skills when hiring for jobs or internships. Foundational skills like strong communication, teamwork, problem-solving, curiosity, adaptability, attention to detail, and time management are essential, while leadership, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, empathy, creativity, critical thinking, confidence, responsibility, and discipline help candidates stand out. Being a competitive candidate also involves developing relevant knowledge, experience, and expertise to contribute real value. Self-motivation, reliability, professionalism, and self-care further enhance your appeal. You can build these skills through classes, extracurricular activities, or volunteering, giving you a clear advantage in preparing for your future career.
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April’s Answer
Hi Karina, your question is excellent. Emotional intelligence is really important in today's world. With all the new technology and AI, being able to connect well with others is key. Building strong, trusting relationships can inspire and lead others, even when tough decisions are needed. Skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management can make you stand out. Having a high EQ is seen as vital for career success now. You're on the right track, and I wish you the best!
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Alan’s Answer
Hi Karina, lot of good answers here... I Like Aprils answer above. Strong communication, self awareness, curiosity and bravery. Ask questions, don't stay in your bubble. If its a newspaper, ask about how it goes from an event to publication, if its engineering, ask how a concept becomes a design into a structure...that broad understanding will help you feel more connected to your role & company, and ultimately, give you more a broader understanding that leads to confidence to speak up. Communicate often and to the point (bad news doesn't age well), and put your barriers down - you're going to get feedback, you're going to mess up, learn from it, but don't dwell on it.
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S’s Answer
When hiring for jobs or internships, employers look for a mix of soft skills, practical skills, and the right mindset. Good communication is crucial—this means explaining ideas clearly, asking smart questions, and writing professional emails. Being reliable and managing time well are important too: showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and consistently following through can be more impressive than perfect grades.
Employers also value problem-solving and critical thinking. They appreciate the ability to learn quickly, adapt to new situations, and handle uncertainty. Basic technical skills like Excel, data analysis, research, and writing are often needed, but these are usually easier to teach than having the right attitude and work ethic.
Teamwork and professionalism are especially important for internships. Being respectful, open to feedback, and able to work well with different personalities shows maturity. Curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in the role or industry help candidates stand out. Employers want people with long-term potential, not just those focused on short-term tasks.
Employers also value problem-solving and critical thinking. They appreciate the ability to learn quickly, adapt to new situations, and handle uncertainty. Basic technical skills like Excel, data analysis, research, and writing are often needed, but these are usually easier to teach than having the right attitude and work ethic.
Teamwork and professionalism are especially important for internships. Being respectful, open to feedback, and able to work well with different personalities shows maturity. Curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in the role or industry help candidates stand out. Employers want people with long-term potential, not just those focused on short-term tasks.
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Mark’s Answer
Hi Karina,
The most important is mindset, always open mind to learn anything, what you learn during your education could help you to enhance your knowledge, but you will encounter much more that you never learn from your education.
If you already have a target job, you can refer to the JD and learn what the job required, if not yet decide the specific job you plan to apply, just keep learning and think about what is your strength can contribute to the company and team, embrace change because things always change and may be very fast, so the most important is to prepare your mindset.
Hope this is helpful
Mark
The most important is mindset, always open mind to learn anything, what you learn during your education could help you to enhance your knowledge, but you will encounter much more that you never learn from your education.
If you already have a target job, you can refer to the JD and learn what the job required, if not yet decide the specific job you plan to apply, just keep learning and think about what is your strength can contribute to the company and team, embrace change because things always change and may be very fast, so the most important is to prepare your mindset.
Hope this is helpful
Mark
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Ana Sofia’s Answer
I would strongly recommend engaging in the extracurricular activities of the university. Student association is THE perfect place where you can develop project management, effective communication and leadership, essential for real life job.
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Samantha’s Answer
1. Communication Skills - Clear written and verbal communication remains one of the top requirements for almost any role. Employers want candidates who can express ideas effectively, listen actively, and adapt messaging to different audiences.
2. Teamwork & Collaboration - Internships and early‑career roles require working well with others, contributing to group goals, and showing respect and cooperation—even with different personalities or work styles.
3. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking - Organizations want people who can bring solutions, not just surface issues. That means identifying challenges, analyzing information, and thinking creatively about options. This is especially true as our world evolves and technologies improve! Being resilient and adaptable is key.
4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) - EQ includes empathy, self‑awareness, relationship‑building, and managing emotions in the workplace. Employers increasingly prefer candidates who work well with others and can deal with challenges thoughtfully.
5. Leadership & Initiative - Even at the internship level, showing ownership, professionalism, and the ability to take initiative is highly valued. Leadership isn’t tied to title—it’s behaviors.
2. Teamwork & Collaboration - Internships and early‑career roles require working well with others, contributing to group goals, and showing respect and cooperation—even with different personalities or work styles.
3. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking - Organizations want people who can bring solutions, not just surface issues. That means identifying challenges, analyzing information, and thinking creatively about options. This is especially true as our world evolves and technologies improve! Being resilient and adaptable is key.
4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) - EQ includes empathy, self‑awareness, relationship‑building, and managing emotions in the workplace. Employers increasingly prefer candidates who work well with others and can deal with challenges thoughtfully.
5. Leadership & Initiative - Even at the internship level, showing ownership, professionalism, and the ability to take initiative is highly valued. Leadership isn’t tied to title—it’s behaviors.
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Danielle’s Answer
Hi Karina - Great question! Employers consider a variety of factors when reviewing candidates, and identifying skills to improve is an excellent first step. While the specific skills needed can vary by industry and job, there are several that are valuable across most roles.
Generally, companies look for a combination of soft skills and technical abilities. Some key skills to focus on early in your career include communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. Additionally, I recommend carefully reviewing each job description to identify any other specific skills or qualifications the employer is seeking. Focusing on these areas will help you become a stronger candidate and prepare you for success in a wide range of roles.
Generally, companies look for a combination of soft skills and technical abilities. Some key skills to focus on early in your career include communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. Additionally, I recommend carefully reviewing each job description to identify any other specific skills or qualifications the employer is seeking. Focusing on these areas will help you become a stronger candidate and prepare you for success in a wide range of roles.
Santiago Urra
Director of Communications, CSR and Strategic Projects
1
Answer
Updated
Santiago’s Answer
Hello Karina,
Just to ask about this shows you are curious about labour world, with strategic view, very good skills to begin with, so good for you!
Each employer/recruter have their own requirements different according to the company culture, job, position, responsabilities, experience, and even how they feel/mood when looking for someone , etc.. so there are no tips we can give as to help you for these individual needs/mood or the specific technical skills needed for the concrete job which you should be very good at to comply 100% if possible. The key is to pass the first filter CV review so this is ver important, so this doc must be clearly autoexplicative of what you've done (experience, goals, studies and off studies), and specifically designed for the specific job you are applying to.
What employers (people or digital agents) usually look for, once you pass the filter, is people who are clever, curious, do-ers, moderately ambitious, commited to the objectives (not easyily giveup), good planners and accomplishing milestones, teamwork players, get the point across well and if with some leadership clues (not agressive), the better. If proactive and entrepeneur , much better! And for me, integrity is also critical and being positive as well (positiveness brings positiveness usually)
All theses skills can easily developped in many fields off (sports, games, volonteers, home, . Some are self character (curiosity, entrepeneurship, leadership, positivity...) but also workables... dont worry!
Lot of things to think about in our digital world (assume you are digital native so you are already working/living with digital tools AI, Prompts, Agents, etc...)
Anyway, working or paying attention a bit on some of these softskills on a daily basis and analysing results while enjoying life you will notice improvements ,... At the end, the key of learning is the process, not the final result.
Good Luck, Karina!
Just to ask about this shows you are curious about labour world, with strategic view, very good skills to begin with, so good for you!
Each employer/recruter have their own requirements different according to the company culture, job, position, responsabilities, experience, and even how they feel/mood when looking for someone , etc.. so there are no tips we can give as to help you for these individual needs/mood or the specific technical skills needed for the concrete job which you should be very good at to comply 100% if possible. The key is to pass the first filter CV review so this is ver important, so this doc must be clearly autoexplicative of what you've done (experience, goals, studies and off studies), and specifically designed for the specific job you are applying to.
What employers (people or digital agents) usually look for, once you pass the filter, is people who are clever, curious, do-ers, moderately ambitious, commited to the objectives (not easyily giveup), good planners and accomplishing milestones, teamwork players, get the point across well and if with some leadership clues (not agressive), the better. If proactive and entrepeneur , much better! And for me, integrity is also critical and being positive as well (positiveness brings positiveness usually)
All theses skills can easily developped in many fields off (sports, games, volonteers, home, . Some are self character (curiosity, entrepeneurship, leadership, positivity...) but also workables... dont worry!
Lot of things to think about in our digital world (assume you are digital native so you are already working/living with digital tools AI, Prompts, Agents, etc...)
Anyway, working or paying attention a bit on some of these softskills on a daily basis and analysing results while enjoying life you will notice improvements ,... At the end, the key of learning is the process, not the final result.
Good Luck, Karina!
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Karlene’s Answer
Hi Karina,
As someone who has done a lot of hiring, there are a few key things I find important:
1. Be ready to learn quickly. Every new job comes with learning opportunities. Stay open to feedback and constructive criticism. Being eager to learn makes working together easier and reduces the stress of picking up something new.
2. Show confidence in yourself and your work. Speak up and be sure of your decisions. Be ready to explain why you made them.
3. Embrace change. Most jobs and businesses change over time, whether it's the role, the environment, or the customer. We need to adapt how we work and what we produce to meet new demands.
4. Have a solid foundation of skills and experience relevant to your career. It's frustrating for everyone if someone can't do the job well. Loving what you do helps you invest the time and effort needed.
5. Take initiative and share your ideas. Leaders don't have all the answers. The saying "Two heads are better than one" means we can see more together. Be creative and imagine what your role could become.
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
As someone who has done a lot of hiring, there are a few key things I find important:
1. Be ready to learn quickly. Every new job comes with learning opportunities. Stay open to feedback and constructive criticism. Being eager to learn makes working together easier and reduces the stress of picking up something new.
2. Show confidence in yourself and your work. Speak up and be sure of your decisions. Be ready to explain why you made them.
3. Embrace change. Most jobs and businesses change over time, whether it's the role, the environment, or the customer. We need to adapt how we work and what we produce to meet new demands.
4. Have a solid foundation of skills and experience relevant to your career. It's frustrating for everyone if someone can't do the job well. Loving what you do helps you invest the time and effort needed.
5. Take initiative and share your ideas. Leaders don't have all the answers. The saying "Two heads are better than one" means we can see more together. Be creative and imagine what your role could become.
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
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Molly’s Answer
Great question! I always encourage students to seek out opportunities to take on leadership roles. Examples can be found in a part time job, on a sports team, in a club/student organization, a classroom project or through volunteer work. What matters most is that you gain experience guiding others, practice taking initiative and being accountable for the outcome. This will help you build confidence, communication skills and collaboration - qualities that will take you far in any career!
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Vanessa’s Answer
Hi Karina,
Employers seek for professionals with strong communication and teamwork abilities, offers solutions and solve problems. They value those who can adapt and learn new skills quickly, especially with technology. Being dependable, taking initiative, and having a strong work ethic shows you’ll finish tasks on time. Showing leadership and fitting into the company’s culture helps you stay and grow with the team.
Hope this helps!
Employers seek for professionals with strong communication and teamwork abilities, offers solutions and solve problems. They value those who can adapt and learn new skills quickly, especially with technology. Being dependable, taking initiative, and having a strong work ethic shows you’ll finish tasks on time. Showing leadership and fitting into the company’s culture helps you stay and grow with the team.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Jill’s Answer
Employers appreciate a variety of skills that help you grow and succeed in any job. Leadership is about inspiring and supporting others. Being open to learning and feedback shows you're ready to improve and adapt. Staying updated with tools like AI, Excel, PowerPoint, Co-Pilot, and Power BI shows you're keen to use technology well. It's important to find opportunities that match your interests—when you do work you love and want to learn about, you're more motivated and likely to do well.
To develop and show these skills, get involved in leadership roles in clubs, sports teams, or volunteer projects. Regularly seek feedback and take on projects that let you use new technologies. Sharing these experiences with future employers demonstrates your initiative and willingness to grow as you explore career options.
To develop and show these skills, get involved in leadership roles in clubs, sports teams, or volunteer projects. Regularly seek feedback and take on projects that let you use new technologies. Sharing these experiences with future employers demonstrates your initiative and willingness to grow as you explore career options.
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Meeta’s Answer
Communication is critical, both oral and written. The ability to tell a story and explain yourself in a way that is both insightful and detailed but not long windeed. That balance is something you get from practice. The ability to critically thinking and dissect a problem is undervalued. I think this is what helps to then think out of the box. Looking for options where you can be a leader and take ownership of things, no matter the size. Find what you are good at whether that be (technology, sports, math, science, etc.) and start from there. Explore options and take that initiative to reach out to someone in that field or even a teacher who might be able to help you explore an field of study that interests you. Don't be afraid for someone to say no as that is part of the learning process. I think it's having the confidence in yourself to be able to take on any challenge that interests which will then help you grow as a person.
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Megan’s Answer
Hello! The skills you need will vary by job, but you're already on the right track by seeing your experiences as building blocks. Employers often seek candidates who are accountable, communicate well, work well alone or in teams, and adapt to change. In your activities, internships, or jobs, show that you are reliable, punctual, and capable. Seek leadership opportunities. By asking this question, you're showing initiative and a desire to learn—both are important traits for any employee. Good luck!
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John’s Answer
Great question! In all the interviews I've done, I've noticed that curiosity and a desire to grow stand out. Your eagerness should be clear just by looking at your resume. Highlighting your achievements shows you're engaged and ready to work toward new goals.
If you're exploring different job options, don't stick to just one resume. Create multiple versions tailored to each job you're interested in. It's great to have options, but make sure each resume shows you're dedicated and focused on that specific role. Once you land the job you want, you can showcase your other skills, demonstrating your readiness to advance. Every company values motivated, driven, and focused employees.
If you're exploring different job options, don't stick to just one resume. Create multiple versions tailored to each job you're interested in. It's great to have options, but make sure each resume shows you're dedicated and focused on that specific role. Once you land the job you want, you can showcase your other skills, demonstrating your readiness to advance. Every company values motivated, driven, and focused employees.
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Megan’s Answer
So good to be doing your homework! Employers value candidates who are open to trying new things and adaptable to different challenges. They look for well-rounded individuals, not just strong academically, but also those involved in activities outside of school that develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Showing a genuine willingness to learn and grow is equally important. Before interviews, research the company... knowing their mission, values, or recent achievements lets you speak their language and shows real interest. Focusing on these areas will help you stand out and be better prepared for future jobs or internships. Good luck!!!