While the job market has seen signs of improvement in recent months, there are still countless Americans trying to weather the storm of unemployment in early 2012.

A survey last year from the National Association for Business Economics points out that business conditions have been on the uptick, with a rise seen in demand for goods and services, which translates to a need for more employees to fulfill those openings. Among the areas seeing a boost in employment are fields like real estate, health care, recreation and finance, while technology continues to remain strong.

It is important to note, however, that the national job market is far from out of the woods.

Unemployment continues to hover between 8.5 to 9 percent, as businesses such as those in the communications, transportation and utilities industries continue to remain behind in terms of job opportunities. Additionally, the private sector remains slow at forming new jobs.

A NACE 2011 Job Outlook Survey points out that along with technical skills, employers are seeking what is known as soft skills. Those individuals with such soft skills, a good education and a strong work history are much more apt to score the job than candidates lacking one or more of those qualities.

Employers are most focused on:

• Verbal communication skills;
• One’s work ethic;
• Initiative;
• Teamwork and analytical skills.

Along with strong skills, employers also want employees who demonstrate a positive attitude, both for their businesses and the assignments they are tasked with. Employers also desire to bring on board workers who while experienced, prove a willingness to learn.

Another trait employers will seek is employees who possess formidable characters.

Given that employees will have to deal with a number of challenges over time in their careers, they will be asked to show commitment, compassion and trustworthiness. On-the-job training can only do so much to bring out these traits; it is important that new employees come aboard with as many of these qualities as possible.

Employers also want someone who will work well with co-workers and not be a distraction on the job.

Employers seek employees who can co-exist with their colleagues and will act both in a mature and responsible manner when dealing with trying times on the job. If you’re an employee that proves to be challenged even under the simplest circumstances, odds are you will not last long in your present position.

Finally, it may seem like the most obvious of things, but being on time for work and not stretching the rules is very important.

While it may come as a surprise to some, being at work 9 to 5 means just that. Employees are expected to put in a full day’s work for a full day of pay. That includes not pushing the limits on time for both lunch and breaks. In instances where an employee is going to be late, out of work for the day, etc. it is very important to communicate that to a supervisor in a timely manner.

Using common sense on the job is something that employers want from those they hire; it just makes sense.

Dave Thomas, who covers among other items home-based jobs, writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.