Nine Essential Characteristics of Good UX Designers

Fred Beecher wrote what he thinks are the nine essential characteristics you must possess to make a good software user experience designer, in reaction to a comment made about skills an IA should possess. It's an excellent read for those listing qualifications and evaluating UX Designers for hire, and a great list of qualities for job-seekers to demonstrate during interviews.

1. A Deep Understanding of Human Psychology & Research Methods
2. Competence in the Basics of Graphic Design
3. An Awareness of and Interest in Technology
4. Verbal & Visual Communication Skills
5. Moderate Familiarity with Business, Deep Familiarity with Your Business
6. The Ability to Quickly Learn a Subject Matter Area
7. Mediation, Facilitation, & Translation Skills
8. Creativity & Vision
9. Passion

Elizabeth Buie also added a familiarity with HCI literature, and undboubtedly with HCI history, which I think should be there as well. For descriptions of each characteristic read the full article

http://userexperience.evantageconsulting.com/2009/07/characteristics-good-ux-designers/