Working Mother Deputy Editor Barbara Turvett led a kickoff panel at the annual Work Life Congress, which focused on something on the minds of a lot of working moms—what it takes to get a job and move up in this economy. Human resources veterans from General Mills, Prudential Financial and WellStar, three Top 10 companies of the Working Mother 100 Best Companies, sat on the panel.

Jana Fallon from Prudential Financial said that she looks for people with a "strong moral compass" among other qualities that don't often come accross on resumes. She is interested in the legacy potential hires have left at their former jobs. "Did they leave behind dead bodies?" she said, speaking figuratively of course.

David Anderson from WellStar said he looks for "soft skills" like "strategic thinking" and an "aptitude for the environment," as well as a "committment to service."

Stephanie Lilak from General Mills said that she hones in on "learning agility" when looking to promote from within, along with "innovative thinking," qualities staffers of this food products company need to reach their customers.

All panelists stressed the value of social media sites like Facebook and Linkedin for recruiting—agreeing that those without a presence online are at a disadvantage in the current hiring environment.

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