14 Must-Have Skills for Entry-Level Workers

14 Must-Have Skills for Entry-Level Workers

Learn more

Next page

1. Communication

By far the most common skill mentioned by the HR and career experts we reached out to was the ability to communicate. “Communication, both verbal and non-verbal, affects every aspect of your professional life. From how your ideas are viewed to your relationship with co-workers, communication skills are essential,” says 

Next page

1. Communication

Michele Mavi, Resident Career Expert at Atrium Staffing. “The best way to achieve these skills is to gain awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses, ask for feedback, observe and listen to those who have an exemplary rapport with others, and practice the skill development in all relationships,” says Katherine Daniel, Director of 

Next page

1. Communication

HR & Marketing for N2 Publishing, Inc.

Next page

2. Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office and equivalent programs such as G Suite and iWork have become absolutely critical to a functioning workplace, and as such, employers expect entry-level employees to have a mastery of them — especially when it comes to basic programs like Word and Powerpoint.  One program that can serve as more of a differentiator, 

Next page

2. Microsoft Office

however, is Excel. “If you are a power user and show examples of sophisticated, multi-page spreadsheets you have created, it is a bonus,” says Henry Goldbeck, President of Goldbeck Recruiting.

Next page

3. Prior Experience and Knowledge

These days, many employers will require even entry-level employees to have professional experience, such as internships, externships, part-time jobs, etc.  To set yourself apart from other candidates, you can also “focus on projects, volunteer work, and get involved in leadership,” says Wendi Weiner, Resume Writer & Career Transition Coach.

Next page

4. Analytics

Once upon a time, a working knowledge in analytics was only required in the most deeply technical roles. But in the Age of Information, everyone from data science to marketing and even human resources is expected to have an idea of how data impacts their organization. “When I interview people who say they are in those fields, but 

Next page

4. Analytics

they don't understand something like a conversion rate or click-through rate or the analytical tools that go with their job — companies get turned off since it shows a lack of depth of knowledge,” says Christy Hopkins, Human Resources Consultant and Staff Writer at Fit Small Business.

Next page

5. Ability to Learn Quickly

Technical knowledge is great, but as Career Counselor and Executive Coach Roy Cohen points out, “technology is a moving target.  Companies need to be reassured that job candidates are versatile; should the technology change you will roll with the punches... Being able to demonstrate that you can easily come up to speed is 

Next page

5. Ability to Learn Quickly

often more valuable than just being an expert in a single application,” Cohen says.

Next page

6. HTML/CSS

Coding may not be a necessity for every job, but it’s increasingly important — and required for more positions than you may realize. “HTML and CSS are now expected for graphic designers and digital marketing positions,” Hopkins says, so anyone applying to those roles should have some experience in programming. But even if it’s 

Next page

6. HTML/CSS

not listed as a job requirement, HTML and CSS “gives you a huge edge if you do have them,” and “you can easily take reasonably priced courses online through various companies on the basics.”

Next page

7. Collaboration

You may have gotten used to being an MVP in school, but at work, it’s all about being a team player. “Teams and groups of workers are becoming increasingly common… workers need to be able to get along with others and be productive and supportive,” says Laura MacLeod, From The Inside Out Project®. “These skills are 

Next page

7. Collaboration

best learned by watching and learning from role models.  Think about people you know who do this well and watch how they navigate relationships and group dynamics… Work on improving current relationships, being more collaborative in your group of friends or family, meeting people and forming new groups and relationships.”

Next page

8. Organizational Skills

In school, it’s not uncommon for particularly bright people to skate by on their intelligence, even if their organization skills leave something to be desired.  But in the workplace, organization is an absolute must. Things like frequently updating and prioritizing your to-do list, organizing your inbox, keeping track of important documents, and project 

Next page

8. Organizational Skills

management are all essential for workplace success — so if you need to hone these skills, the time to start is now.

Next page

9. Photoshop

Again, not all jobs will require a knowledge of Photoshop, but you might be surprised at the positions in which it’s useful, even if it’s not related to art or design. “You won’t be expected to create a masterpiece, but if you have the skills to enhance or modify a photo, or add visual graphics to a report on PowerPoint, you can build from 

Next page

9. Photoshop

there,” Mavi says. “This is something that entry-level candidates can teach themselves via YouTube tutorials so there really is no excuse to not have at least a basic knowledge.”

Next page

10. Drive

“I know it sounds trite,” acknowledges Jeffrey Moss, Founder/CEO of Parker Dewey, but “from the work we have done, and feedback we have received from companies following the completion of the projects, the number one ‘skill’ is the drive to get the work done.” This is important, Moss says, because “it includes so many 

Next page

10. Drive

of the other hard and soft skills.”  “The career launchers who have consistently [done] the best job are those that have the intrinsic motivation to get it done, and leverage everything at their disposal to accomplish it. They also look beyond the immediate tactical aspects and appreciate the larger implications and benefits to them,” Moss says.

Next page

11. Social Media

With most people applying to entry-level roles being Millennials, many employers assume that a strong knowledge of social media is a given.  “Entry-level employees are expected to be adept at research on the major platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) as well as using them to communicate,” 

Next page

11. Social Media

Mavi says. “Not only is it important to be aware of current events that show up on the feed,” adds Grace “You can also utilize these skills on behalf of the company.”

Next page

12. Punctuality

Know how annoying it is when your friend shows up 30 minutes late to dinner over and over again? Yeah, employers aren’t a fan of that either.  They want “employees who will always arrive at work on time and get to meetings and appointments early,” says Timothy G. Wiedman, a retired Associate Professor of Management & Human 

Next page

12. Punctuality

Resources. And punctuality extends to timeliness of work as well — “meet all deadlines and get an early start on projects,” Wiedman advises.

Next page

13. Customer Service

Many entry-level jobs are client-facing, so customer service skills are a great thing to list on your resume. “Thinking on your toes and a keen focus on delivering exceptional service, to both your co-workers and customers, is immediately noticed and valued by hiring managers,” Grace says. “This skill is best honed via practice. 

Next page

13. Customer Service

As you talk to friends and colleagues, practice being helpful and offering solutions to their problems.” But don’t be afraid to take a page out of the books of well-known companies either. “There are also great blogs and articles that detail what great customer service looks like,” Grace adds. “Reading articles on Disney and Nordstrom's 

Next page

13. Customer Service

customer service approach is a great place to start.”

Next page

14. Positive Attitude

“Skills are one thing,” Benton says, but “attitude is the tie-breaker between you getting the job and another young person with comparable skills getting it.”  This includes, among other things, “a cheerfulness; not being dour (you don’t have to be full of jokes but you should be full of good cheer),” “honesty: do what you say you’ll do no 

Next page

14. Positive Attitude

matter what; no shading the truth,” and “confidence... (even if you don’t exactly feel it). No one feels confident always, they are just good at camouflaging their insecurities — you should too,” according to Benton.

More

Read

10 New Job Fields for Women in 2022

10 Steps to a Resume That Will Get You Hired

10 Important Career Tips for Women

See More

See More

See More