b'MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGEThere was consensus throughout the review of literatureResearch shows that employers desire job candidates that job-related hard skills are more readily identifiablewith a solid foundation of essential skills, and they trust than essential skills, and assessment or measurementand value the essential skills over the hard skills (Beaton, of hard skills is less challenging than with essential2017).Omoth (2016) and Loretto (2017) also concur skills (Wonderlic, 2012).Part of this challenge stemsthat employers are impressed when job applicants from the terminology used to describe essential skills.demonstrate a strong set of essential skills, which are For example, what characteristics are included in thegood indicators of a persons ability to perform the job. concept of professionalism?While one entity listsTherefore, the intrinsic value of essential skills must be work ethic separately from professionalism, anotheraddressed to ensure that future workers are equipped incorporates work ethic in professionalism.Thewith the necessary skills to succeed.United States Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP, 2010) states: Work ethic or professionalism is really the workers ability to adapt to employers expectations for behavior, dress, responsibility, initiative, enthusiasm, and honesty.According to Lippman, et al. (2015, p. 5-6) there is still an essential skills gap noted by many employers, and their research study concluded that essential skills were critical for workplace success.For example, the literature clearly outlined the core nonverbal behaviors commonly associated with active listening (Richmond & McCroskey, 2008) and effective speaking (Morreale et al., 2007):Listening Speaking Eye ContactEye Contact Facial ExpressionsFacial Expressions Gestures/Body Gestures/BodyMovementMovement PosturePosture Mitigates DistractionAttire Appropriate tothe SituationOther factors that could impact the attainment of essential skills are socio-economic levels, gender, presenceofconflict,andregionaldifferences (Lippman, et al., 2015).Quandt (2017) describes a two-fold problemsocietys reliance on technology and educations reliance on standardized testing.Text messaging and an abundance of social media have replaced effective communication, teamwork, and a sound work ethic, while standardized testing prevents learning critical essential skills that ensure career success (Quandt, 2017).MGCCC QEP 2019 19'