Why do employers first look at a candidate's major? Employers explain that in initial hiring consideration, they are first concerned with a set of necessary skills. "We are looking for candidates that possess the technical and enabling skills required to be an effective client service delivery professional," said Blane Ruschak, National Director of Campus Recruiting for KPMG.

Also critical to employers is to find candidates passionate about their potential industry. Randy Goldberg, National Recruiting Director for Hyatt Hotels, explains that finding job seekers excited about their future position occurs most often when the candidate's major matches their prospective field of employment. "Most of our entry level management positions are not your typical 9 to 5 positions," said Goldberg, "so seeking out candidates with hospitality schooling and experience is a key ingredient to achieving a rewarding career with Hyatt."

Employers repeatedly state that in order for students to separate themselves from candidates with the same major, students must be able to relate past experiences to the current job opportunity in an interview setting. Also important is to demonstrate a range of transferable soft skills to complement the skills associated with their major. Candidates should be comfortable gathering and analyzing technical data but also effectively communicating the results in presentations, lectures, and one-on-one. Candidates who are able to communicate the results of their analysis are much more valuable to a prospective employer than those who can only crunch the numbers. Even better are those who can demonstrate this ability in an interview.

Employers seeking candidates with less technical majors also point to versatility as an important professional skill. "We are looking for candidates to be in a continuous learning mode, have a positive attitude and demonstrate a global perspective in their thinking and actions," said Ruschak.

In addition to Ruschak's list of top soft skills for KPMG, other employers would also include the importance of communication skills, dedication, integrity, enthusiasm, creativity and adaptability. According to Vicki Decker, Director of Career Services for Winona State University, "These skills result in successful candidates and are not necessarily tied to any given major." Additionally, they can all be summed up in one word: passion.

Passion about the opportunity is important to employers because it cannot be taught or faked. When employers recognize that a student's enthusiasm and excitement about the job is genuine, that student will most often get the job. Provide examples of how passion has had a positive impact on results. Show an employer in your words, actions and past behaviors that you have true passion for achieving excellence. If you do so, expect to be chosen over other candidates whose paper credentials may appear superior to yours.

Following are the overall survey results:

1. The student's major (42%)
   
2. The student's interviewing skills (25%)
   
3. The student's internship/experience (16%)
   
4. Other miscellaneous qualifications (10%)
   
5. The student's computer skills (3%)
   
6. The student's personal appearance (2%)
   
7. The student's GPA (1%)
   
8. The college the student graduated from (1%)