I traveled to Athens, Georgia, and spoke with Eddie Mabe, Accurus Aerospace's human resources director. You always hear about soft skills when you talk to hiring managers, but I've realized that soft skills are different for different people. Some like the ability to work in a team. Others want communication skills above all else.

I asked Mabe what his No. 1 soft skill was and you might be suprised by what he answered. It sounds so basic, but to Mabe—and more importantly, to Accurus—it's the most important trait they look for.