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OverviewNature of WorkKnowledge AreasSkills Utilized
Job ActivitiesAbilitiesJob ConditionsWork SatisfactionEducation/Training

Skill Areas

Learn about the most important skills for Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products. Also, find out how proficient you have to be in each skill.
Importance*More Info
1.Active Listening84
2.Speaking77
3.Reading Comprehension76
4.Critical Thinking74
5.Time Management70
6.Judgment and Decision Making69
Service Orientation69
8.Mathematics68
9.Instructing67
10.Management of Material Resources66
* Importance out of 100

Score Key
  Importance for success in this profession
  Level of proficiency needed

Skill Area Scores

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
84
67
Take a customer's orderAnswer inquiries regarding credit referencesPreside as judge in a complex legal disagreement
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
77
64
Greet tourists and explain tourist attractionsInterview applicants to obtain personal and work historyArgue a legal case before the Supreme Court
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
76
66
Read step-by-step instructions for completing a formRead a memo from management describing new personnel policiesRead a scientific journal article describing surgical procedures
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
74
67
Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being lateEvaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responsesWrite legal brief challenging a federal law
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
70
57
Keep a monthly calendar of appointmentsAllocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming weekAllocate the time of scientists to multiple research projects
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
69
60
Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flowEvaluate a loan application for degree of riskDecide whether a manufacturing company should invest in new robotics technology
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
69
61
Ask customers if they would like cups of coffee"Make flight reservations for customers, using airline reservation system"Direct relief agency operations in a disaster area
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
68
59
Count the amount of change to be given to a customerCalculate the square footage of a new home under constructionDevelop a mathematical model to simulate and resolve an engineering problem
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
67
61
Instruct a new employee in the use of a time clockInstruct a coworker in how to operate a software programDemonstrate surgical procedure to interns in a teaching hospital
Management of Material Resources
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
66
55
Rent a meeting room for a management meetingEvaluate an annual uniform service contract for delivery driversDetermine the computer system needs of a large corporation and monitor use of the equipment