Each year, the National Association of Colleges and Employers conducts a Job Outlook survey of employers. It ranks qualities sought on a five-point scale, where one is not important and five is extremely important. These are the results from 2010. Of course, individual employers will have their own preferences, but these results show “communication skills” continue to be vital, while resume cliches such as “creativity” and “risk-taker” rank lower.

Communication skills – 4.7

Strong work ethic – 4.6

Initiative – 4.5

Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) – 4.5

Problem-solving skills – 4.5

Teamwork skills (works well with others) – 4.5

Analytical skills – 4.4

Flexibility/adaptability – 4.3

Computer skills – 4.2

Detail-oriented – 4.1

Leadership skills – 4.1

Technical skills – 4.1

Organizational skills – 4.0

Self-confidence – 3.9

Tactfulness – 3.8

Friendly/outgoing personality – 3.7

Creativity – 3.6

Strategic planning skills – 3.3

Entrepreneurial skills/risk-taker – 3.2

Sense of humor – 3.0