The results of two separate surveys were announced the week of September 16 that provide very interesting insights into the American job market. One addressed the opinions of those who hire candidates for jobs and the other reported on the salaries of those who get hired.

Inside Higher Ed reported on a survey conducted for Northeastern University among hiring decision-makers nationwide. Six in ten of these business leaders responded that “softer” broadly applicable skills such as oral and written communications and problem-solving skills are most important for college graduates to possess. The survey also found that 84 percent of the business leaders believe the ability to think creatively is just as important as the ability to think critically.

When asked about candidates in the job market today, an overwhelming 73 percent said that being well-rounded with a range of abilities is more important than having industry expertise because job-specific skills can be learned at work.