With the youth unemployment increasing day by day, there are multiple debates on what could possibly improve the communication between the job recruiters and the candidates. What is it that interviewers seek in an entry-level employee? How much does Alma Mater matter? Are skills such as Photoshop, Excel, Word more important than the right attitude?

Interestingly, a study by the BMO financial group revealed that the most critical importance was placed on traits like interpersonal communication (60%), work ethic (88%), and professionalism (64%). The takeaway is that having the right attitude is more important than an employees’ GPA. To learn more about the kind of traits that recruiters seek in entry-level employees, read below.

1. There Is No “I” in Team

Teamwork and having excellent interpersonal skills are the most coveted skills that recruiters seek in entry-level jobs. The recruiter wants someone who can do well in collaborative settings. Somebody who can move the team forward without thinking of their own personal appraisement is appreciated by the company. The company seeks someone who thinks for the future of the company in an almost altruistic, tribal way. Free-riders who selfishly work to enhance their own reputation are looked down upon.

2. A Strong Work-Ethic

Having an active work ethic is of vital importance for the interviewer. Hard work and due diligence, combined with prioritizing work over frivolous activities are the qualities that can get an entry-level employee to the top of the ladder. A strong work-ethic, combined with integrity and perseverance to meet the job’s goals are some of the qualities that recruiters value the greatest.

3. An Optimistic Attitude

A positive attitude with enthusiasm to learn is an essential skill screened in entry-level employees. How a candidate talks about their previous internships or college experiences. Candidates, who seem confident, with a go-getter attitude, are considered a valuable asset for the company. If a candidate appears upbeat and cheerful about their past experiences, then they are likely to bring those happy vibes to the company as well.

4. Adaptability

Some companies require superheroes that can perform every task with the same speed and skill as what they were appointed for. Unfortunately, people are not superheroes. However, recruiters most certainly judge a potential employee’s ability to adapt to their surroundings. If a fresh job seeker is open to and is successful at a wide variety of tasks, then they are a boon for the company.

5. Time Management

If an entry-level employee has displayed seriousness towards finishing the required goals and target of the company at the right speed, then they have demonstrated dependability in their character. Being vigilant of deadlines and fulfilling them professionally is a sign of a hard worker.

6. Critical Thinking

If an entry-level employee can do most tasks without being fed directions all the times, they become a keeper for the recruiter. Candidates who self-reflect on how to achieve better results in different ways are prized than candidates who are mundane and traditional in their thinking.
The above traits are screened by the recruiters to select a candidate who can be a valuable asset to their company’s future.