Problem Solvers and Communicators Worth the Most in the Work World

People may be surprised to learn the value of their skills in today's work world. In their new book, "150 Best Jobs for Your Skills," Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin identify the skills that typically pay the most and are used by the fastest-growing jobs.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) August 1, 2007 -- Many people are able to quickly identify the skills they possess, but few are aware of the actual worth their skill sets hold in the work world.

In their new book, "150 Best Jobs for Your Skills," career experts Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D. identify the skills that pay the best and are essential to today's fastest-growing jobs. According to their research, problem solvers and strong communicators can expect to see great rewards, including higher income and flourishing job opportunities.

"We used the statistical procedure called correlation to determine which skills pay the best. We based this calculation on all occupations in the workforce for which earnings figures are available. We also treated all occupations equally, regardless of how big or small their workforce may be," says Shatkin.

The following list represents the skills that command the highest pay, ranked from highest to lowest, according to Farr and Shatkin.

1. Thought-Processing Skills
2. Communication Skills
3. Mathematics Skills
4. Management Skills
5. Equipment/Technology Analysis Skills
6. Science Skills
7. Computer Programming Skills
8. Social Skills
9. Quality Control Skills
10. Equipment Use/Maintenance Skills

Income isn't the only way people can gauge the worth of their skills. Farr and Shatkin also identify the skills used by the fastest-growing jobs. The following list includes these skills, arranged from highest to lowest.

1. Social Skills
2. Communication Skills
3. Thought-Processing Skills
4. Management Skills
5. Science Skills
6. Equipment/Technology Analysis Skills
7. Mathematics Skills
8. Computer Programming Skills
9. Quality Control Skills
10. Equipment Use/Maintenance Skills

"150 Best Jobs for Your Skills" is available from the publisher (www.jist.com or 1.800.648.JIST). For a free media copy or to speak with the authors, contact Natalie Ostrom.

JIST, America's Career Publisher, is the leading publisher of job search, career, occupational information, life skills and character education books, workbooks, assessments, videos and software.

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