Employers were asked to rate the importance of personal qualities and characteristics of new hires. Verbal and written communication skills topped the list. Honesty, teamwork skills, interpersonal skills, and motivation rounded out the top five.

Employers also said that many candidates fail to use the job interview to showcase their communication and interpersonal skills. "A lot of employers tell us that students don't prepare themselves adequately for the interview and therefore don't take advantage of the opportunity to show that they have those important skills," says Marilyn Mackes, executive director of NACE.