The National Association of Colleges and Employers has just completed a survey of employers to identify the qualities of the perfect job candidate.  They include communications skills, work ethic, the ability to work in a team and initiative.

The Examiner has a great summary of the attributes employers are looking for http://www.examiner.com/x-828-Entry-Level-Careers-Examiner~y2009m1d29-Employers-cite-qualities-attributes-of-perfect-job-candidate?cid=examiner-email.  Definitely worth checking out.

I would add likeability and preparation to this list .  As a recruiter of entry level professionals, I used to look for

• preparation: resume, interview, company research
• likeability
• work ethic.

I can usually assess the first two in about 60 seconds.  the strong work ethic– the ability to do what it takes to get the job done– becomes apparent in the interview.