College degrees have been proven to increase job prospects and economic outcomes for workers, yet it may not matter at all whether a degree program is pursued in-person or online. There are also many other factors that matter more to hiring managers and human resources professionals than the method a student used to gain their job skills, knowledge, and expertise. First off, Dr. Geller says companies are looking for prospective employees who may be a good fit for their organization. For example, they want to hire someone who will be successful, happy, and likely to stay in the job.  "That means looking for an individual who has prior experience that has prepared them to be successful in the job, whose values are consistent with the organizational mission, vision and values, and for whom the job change makes sense," says. Dr. Geller. Geller notes some other specific skills, abilities, and credentials hiring managers look for:
Dependability
Financial management skills
Leadership skills
Organizational skills
Verbal and written communication skills Dr. Geller also says her personal experience has shown her that accomplishments in a prior position are more important than job duties in that prior position:  "The hiring manager wants to know how you made a difference in your prior job, and how you can make a difference for them if they hire you," she says.