To obtain and keep a job in today’s economy, employers are looking for three main components – knowledge, experience and personal attributes. Which do you feel is most important?

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“Having desirable personal qualities is more important than having a good basic educational foundation and critical thinking skills.” -Dr. Jacquelyn Robinson

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Newsweek recently reported that 56% of employers were unhappy with a high school graduates level of motivation and responsibility and 35% were dissatisfied with their ability to work with others.

Interesting Tidbits

The overwhelming majority of employers are looking for workers with average intelligence and good social skills.

Strong work Ethic

Positive Attitude

Good Communication skills

Time Management Abilities

Team Player

Self-confidence

Positive Response to Criticism

Flexibility/Adaptability National 4-H Council, 2007

What Employers Are Looking For

Proved to be dishonest

Could not get along with other workers

Did not have acceptable appearance

Was unreliable or was absent/late too often

Used work time for personal business

Could not do the work

Worked too slowly or made too many mistakes

Refused to follow orders

Repeatedly missing deadlines

Misrepresented self or lied on application

Caused too much drama at work Fortune Magazine, 2009

Top 11 Reasons Employees Get Fired