Preparing for a successful career is more than simply meeting your degree requirements. Think about what will set you apart from others with the same educational background and how you will market yourself to future employers.
The following survey data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) can help you to prioritize and seek experiences that are most valued by employers (on average). NACE regularly surveys employer members about their hiring plans and other employment-related trends to project the job market for college students and recent graduates.
Influence of Attributes (Experience to acquire and demonstrate on your resume)
| ATTRIBUTE | 2023 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* | 2022 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* | 2021 AVERAGE INFLUENCE RATING* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Has completed an internship with your organization | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Has internship experience in your industry | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Major | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Has general work experience | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Has held a leadership position | 3.5 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Has been involved in extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, student government, etc.) | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.4 |
| Has no work experience | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.2 |
| High GPA (3.0 or above) | 2.9 | 3.1 | 3.2 |
| Has done volunteer work | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.8 |
| School attended | 2.3 | 2.6 | 2.5 |
| Is fluent in a foreign language | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Has studied abroad | 1.8 | 2.0 | 1.8 |
Source: Job Outlook 2023, National Association of Colleges and Employers. *5-point scale where 1=No influence at all; 2=Not much influence; 3=Somewhat of an influence; 4=Very much influence; 5=Extreme influence.
Attributes Employers Seek on a Candidate’s Resume (Skills to acquire and demonstrate on your resume)
| ATTRIBUTE | % OF RESPONDENTS |
|---|---|
| Problem-solving skills | 61.4% |
| Ability to work in a team | 61.0% |
| Strong work ethic | 52.4% |
| Analytical/Quantitative Skills | 50.4% |
| Communication Skills (written) | 50.0% |
| Technical skills | 50.0% |
| Initiative | 48.0% |
| Detail-oriented | 47.6% |
| Communication skills (verbal) | 46.3% |
| Computer skills | 44.7% |
| Flexibility/Adaptability | 43.9% |
| Leadership | 43.9% |
| Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) | 39.8% |
| Organizational ability | 33.3% |
| Strategic planning skills | 24.4% |
| Creativity | 17.5% |
| Tactfulness | 15.9% |
| Friendly/Outgoing Personality | 14.6% |
| Entrepreneurial skills/risk-taker | 9.3% |
| Fluency in a foreign language | 3.7% |
Source: Job Outlook 2023, National Association of Colleges and Employers