Skills and Abilities That Companies Look for in Employees

In a letter to the Putnam County schools, Cordell B. Barker, Manager of External Relations at Philips, said the following skills "are required more and more by companies like Philips, who in the future will require a more flexible and multi-functional workforce to maximize efficiencies and productivity":

• Basic problem-solving skills
• Project management
• Advanced reading and comprehension skills
• Computer skills
• Decision-making skills
• Team orientation
• Positive self-image and self-esteem

"Workers will be required to do more thinking, either as individuals or in groups, than mere physical work in the future," he said.

Reprinted with permission from Putnam County Schools, Ottawa, Ohio, and Philips Display Components Company.