Team working is the most important skill for graduates in the European Union (EU) to have, a survey suggests.

Research conducted among bosses in the region found the second highest ranked talents qualified candidates are expected to have are those relating to the sector they are applying to, followed by communication and computer skills.

The poll to determine employers' perception of graduate employability shows executives believe foreign language skills will become increasingly important in the future, particularly among those whose companies operate international on a daily basis and employers in the industry sector.

Most of those questioned (89 per cent) felt individuals with degrees they had hired over the past five years came to them with the skills required by their new role.

In addition to talent and a graduate qualification, respondents also cited work experience as of high importance, in addition to practical experience during the course of their education.

Latest figures from Eurostat revealed unemployment across the 27 EU member states remained stable at 9.6 per cent in October 2010 compared with the previous month.

Posted by Alex Donnell