What strengths do employers value most?

Asked by: Darlene Lebsack  |  Last update: February 13, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (37 votes)

Employers highly value a blend of soft skills like communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, alongside foundational literacy (reading, writing, math) and key traits such as adaptability, dependability, problem-solving, and leadership. These core competencies demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and the ability to collaborate and solve complex issues, making candidates more valuable than just those with technical skills alone.

What are the top 3 strengths that employers look for?

The top 5 skills employers look for include:

  • Critical thinking and problem solving.
  • Teamwork and collaboration.
  • Professionalism and strong work ethic.
  • Oral and written communications skills.
  • Leadership.

What skills do employers value most?

The skills that consistently rank as the most essential are problem-solving, the ability to work on a team, and communication skills (particularly written communication).

What are the 5 greatest strengths?

The "top 5 strengths" depend on the assessment, but common themes from tools like Gallup's CliftonStrengths and VIA Institute include Achiever, Learner, Strategic, Responsibility, and Relator (Gallup) or broad virtues like Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, and Temperance (VIA), all pointing to natural talents in learning, planning, action, relationships, and character development that boost personal and professional growth.
 

What are the top 5 employee strengths?

Essential employee strengths: The top 5 work-related strengths

  • Critical thinking. Employees who can assess information objectively, consider different perspectives, and weigh potential risks and rewards make well-reasoned decisions.
  • Creative thinking. ...
  • Communication. ...
  • Teamwork. ...
  • Dependability.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES? (The 3 BEST SAMPLE ANSWERS to this JOB INTERVIEW QUESTION!)

40 related questions found

What is your 3 strengths best answer?

To answer "what are your 3 strengths," choose qualities relevant to the job (like problem-solving, adaptability, and communication) and provide brief, specific examples demonstrating how you use them, linking each strength to positive results for the employer by focusing on showing, not just telling. 

What are the 7 qualities that make a good team?

A good team thrives on clear communication, mutual trust, shared goals, accountability, strong leadership, collaboration, and adaptability, allowing members to work cohesively, resolve conflicts, and efficiently achieve objectives through diverse skills and supportive interactions, rather than just individual talent.
 

What should I write for employee strengths?

30 crucial employee strengths

  • Dependability. From meeting deadlines and quotas to taking responsibility for mistakes, you need team members you can depend on. ...
  • Flexibility. ...
  • Positive attitude. ...
  • Communication skills. ...
  • Problem-solving skills. ...
  • Critical thinking. ...
  • Emotional intelligence. ...
  • Discipline.

What are 5 qualities of a good employee?

Five key characteristics of a good employee are Reliability (consistent, dependable performance), Adaptability (handling change well), Strong Communication (clear, respectful interaction), Initiative/Problem-Solving (proactive, resourceful fixes), and a Positive Attitude/Teamwork Ethic (supporting colleagues, learning, and staying motivated). These traits ensure consistent contribution, smooth workflow, and a productive environment, even when challenges arise. 

What are the 5 personality strengths?

The 5 core personality strengths are known as the "Big Five," using the acronym OCEAN: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism, representing broad dimensions of personality where individuals fall on a spectrum for each. These traits describe fundamental aspects of how people behave, think, and feel, encompassing creativity (Openness), responsibility (Conscientiousness), sociability (Extraversion), kindness (Agreeableness), and emotional stability (Neuroticism).
 

What are the 10 skills most wanted by employers?

Employers highly value communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, alongside strong teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, time management, work ethic, and emotional intelligence, as these core soft skills drive success and innovation across various roles. Developing these transferable skills helps you navigate challenges, collaborate effectively, and demonstrate initiative, making you a valuable asset to any organization.
 

What do employers value most in the workplace?

The Importance of Transferable Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration.
  • Data analysis.
  • Critical thinking and decision-making.
  • Leadership and management.
  • Creative problem solving.
  • Adaptability.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Dependability and time management.

What skills do employers want 2025?

AI and big data are at the top of the list, followed by networks and cybersecurity and technological literacy. Creative thinking and resilience, flexibility and agility are also rising in importance, along with curiosity and lifelong learning.

What are the top six strengths?

The 24 positive character strengths are split into six virtue classes:

  • Wisdom: Creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, perspective.
  • Courage: Honesty, bravery, persistence, zest.
  • Humanity: Kindness, love, social intelligence.
  • Justice: Fairness, leadership, teamwork.

What are the 3 C's for a job application?

The classic "3 C's" for a job application focus on Competence (can you do the job?), Character (are you trustworthy and ethical?), and Chemistry/Culture Fit (will you work well with the team and company values?), though some modern takes suggest alternatives like Clarity, Confidence, Commitment for faster hiring or Contacts, Credibility, Competence for career growth. However, the most common framework employers look for is the ability to perform (Competence), fit the team (Chemistry/Culture), and demonstrate integrity (Character).
 

What are the 7 essential life skills?

The 7 essential life skills, famously outlined by Ellen Galinsky, are Focus & Self-Control, Perspective Taking, Communicating, Making Connections, Critical Thinking, Taking on Challenges, and Self-Directed, Engaged Learning, forming a foundation for success in school, work, and relationships by fostering confidence, resilience, and adaptability for life's challenges.
 

What do bosses want from employees?

Bosses want employees who are willing to take risks and try new things, without being reckless. Creativity and the ability to come up with new ways of thinking are both valuable traits for any employee in any field.

What are the 7 major soft skills?

While there's no single definitive list, the 7 most commonly cited and crucial soft skills are Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Time Management, Critical Thinking, and Leadership, often complemented by emotional intelligence and creativity, enabling effective interaction and success in any role.
 

What are 10 examples of positive traits?

Ten good qualities often cited for a successful and valuable life include integrity, empathy, resilience, honesty, responsibility, communication, patience, courage, optimism, and self-awareness, though lists vary, focusing on core traits like being trustworthy, adaptable, compassionate, and driven. Developing these traits helps build strong character and achieve personal and professional goals. 

What are the top 3 work strengths?

The top 3 strengths at work, valued across most industries, are Communication Skills, Problem-Solving Abilities, and a Strong Work Ethic (including reliability and accountability), often complemented by Adaptability and Teamwork, as these skills drive efficiency, innovation, and positive team dynamics. While the exact "best" strengths depend on the role, these universal traits ensure you can collaborate, overcome hurdles, and consistently deliver results, making you a valuable asset. 

What strengths should be included in an appraisal?

Below, we share performance review examples that highlight six different strengths.

  • Exceptional Communication Skills. ...
  • Strong Relationship Building. ...
  • Goal-Oriented Approach. ...
  • Team Building and Collaboration. ...
  • Conflict Resolution Skills. ...
  • Creative Thinking and Innovation.

What are 5 examples of strengths?

14 Examples of employee strengths you should look for

  • Dependability. ...
  • Goal-Oriented. ...
  • Team-Oriented. ...
  • Flexibility. ...
  • Optimism. ...
  • Emotional Awareness. ...
  • Trustworthiness. ...
  • Leadership.

What are the 5 C's of teamwork?

The 5 Cs of teamwork are different frameworks focusing on key elements for effective collaboration, commonly including Communication, Commitment, Coordination, Complementarity, and often a fifth like Confidence, Camaraderie, or Common Purpose, all aiming to build high-performing teams through shared goals, trust, and clear roles for success. While lists vary, they generally emphasize open dialogue, shared dedication, complementary skills, and unified direction. 

What are the six-six characteristics of effective work teams?

High-Performing Teams Share These 6 Characteristics

  • Diversity and inclusivity are key.
  • Trust is everything.
  • Communication is clear, frequent, and effective.
  • An agile work environment is high-performance fertilizer. ...
  • Responsive, hands-on leadership. ...
  • High performers thrive in an environment of continuous learning.

What 10 characteristics make a good team?

10 Core Characteristics of a Good Team

  • A Clear Purpose and Shared Vision. ...
  • Trust and Psychological Safety. ...
  • Strong, Open Communication. ...
  • Leadership That Enables, Not Controls. ...
  • Diversity of Skills and Perspectives. ...
  • Mutual Respect and Belonging. ...
  • Constructive Conflict and Healthy Feedback. ...
  • Accountability and Clear Roles.