Employers look for more than technical or specific job-related skills when hiring new employees.  Certain characteristics have been found to be essential in developing an effective team that contributes to the growth and success of the organization.  Employers look for these characteristics during the hiring process.  Knowing these characteristics and being able to identify them in yourself, will enhance your effectiveness at interviews and increase your chances of getting the job that you want.

In a book entitled If My Careers is on the Fast Track, Where Do I Get a Road Map?, Anne Fisher says that employers look for three things: 

• A knack for problem-solving and dogged self-motivation
• The ability to listen well and get along with other people
• Strong communication skills, including reading and writing

In addition, according to a survey of executives at 1,000 U.S. companies conducted by Caliper, a human resource consulting firm, employers are interested in employees with:

• Imagination
• Dedication
• Conscientiousness
• Openness to new ideas
• Versatility
• The ability to handle stress
• Leadership skills
• Client relationship skills

A study of 1,400 companies by Office Team identified 6 key soft skills employers say they need:

• Problem-solving
• Open-mindedness
• Ethics
• Persuasiveness
• Leadership
• Educational interests, willingness to pursue training and acquire knowledge in unfamiliar areas

In a poll taken by Select Appointments North America, skills were ranked according to those most needed by new hires: 

• Listening (80% of executives ranked this #1)
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving
• Technical skills
• Well thought out, well-written, and concise written communication

Strong writing skills can often be the tie-breaker in selecting a new employee if all other skills are equal. Sometimes the cover letter accompanying your resume is used to determine your writing skills.

Employers repeatedly said that following-up each interview with a hand-written thank you note indicates attention-to-detail, good business manners, and enthusiasm for the job which could be the tie-breaker if everything else is equal.  

Knowing your soft skills, using them on your resume, being able to expound on them in an interview, and following-up with a well-written  thank you note within 24 hours after each interview may greatly enhance your chances of securing a job offer.