What Employers Want
by Ian Foster 
The skills you need and how to get them…
Degree? In the bag. Job? I want one of them! Who’s got them? Employers…
Not exactly neuro-physiology, but if someone’s got something you want, then you have to convince them you’re worth offering it to. Sound simple? I guess it does, but have you got that which prospective employers are after? A smile, good manners and a Gucci suit might be an ideal starting point, but you have to back it up with something more than a good first impression…
So, what are employers looking for?
For starters, initiative and a keen eye- you have hopefully read, and understood the position you’ve applied for. Not wanting to sound condescending- but you should take your time when reading the application form, and the job description itself. What’s the point in applying for something you’ve not got the qualifications for? The recruiter will ask for specific skills if it is a position such as a software engineer. These positions will list the required software experience required. Note- they will find out if say you are capable in using specific software, when in reality- you’re not. Sounds obvious- yet people still try and get away with that ‘little’ white lie. And it’s not really showing initiative, unless you can learn a programme overnight… A final point to make would be that the majority of employers would like to see the graduate who has scope to develop their potential. No-one can ever really know-it-all and no-one really likes a know-it-all either. Express the desire to harness the potential you have and you’ll not go far wrong.
The transferable skills
- communication – your ability to converse, write, word process or present in a manner applicable to the differing audience;
- flexibility/adaptability – the work environment is usually ever-changing. This must include you having the ability to adapt to new situations;
- leadership – a tough one for some people to demonstrate, only the confident leaders will be the successful ones;
- initiative – doesn’t mean the ability to seize opportunities dishonestly. It requires seeing things for ones self, and then acting upon them;
- problem solving – the organised word- think methodical. One step at a time. No bullish behaviour;
- numeracy – number crunching may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Brushing up on some mental arithmetic, reading graphs, stats and data can be extremely useful…;
- self-awareness – being self critical doesn’t mean you beat yourself up over mistakes you are bound to make. Seeing and processing these encounters for a prepared ‘next attempt’ is key;
- commitment/motivation – self motivation, sticking to it, expressing your desire to complete a set task. To demonstrate these traits is a major plus;
- interpersonal skills – working relationships. Similar to the changing work environment- the workplace will bring you into contact with many different people. Different people require different approaches- be aware of yourself and others;
- teamwork – team has no I. Does it? Being on the team means being part of it.
From list, to action…
- You’ve read the list and think you’ve got the minerals. Is that enough? Erm, No Sir! You’ve got to demonstrate some of the communication and interpersonal skills to present ‘evidence’ you can walk the walk. Think of examples you’ve encountered during previous work experiences, part-time jobs, difficult situations where you may have engaged with one, or a combination, of these skills to find a solution to a problem. You may find yourself writing these examples on paper, or discussing them in person. If you are writing, then remember your grammar must be sound and you make the point you are trying to. If discussing- maintain as much eye contact as possible, obviously express confidence- but don’t make up a wild, unbelievable story. If you know what you’ve done; you’ll have no problem reporting it.
Remember: What is it exactly that you have done? What were you responsible for? What were the outcomes? How did you achieve success?
What? How am I meant to gain these skills?!?
The chances are, you’ve got them and don’t realise it. Your degree course should have encouraged communication skills- through the completion of essays or reports. You must have had required presentation guidelines to adhere to (which I’m sure you did). Modules might have required presentations to be made to the class- teamwork, interpersonal, communication, motivation, problem solving, and initiative. Presuming you weren’t the only individual in class, you would have spoke to people during your course. If you just sit down and think- it is most likely you demonstrated most of these skills weekly, even daily. Consider all the background reading you did (?!). Employers know that to complete a course in higher education, you have the ability to demonstrate these skills- now it is up to you to convince them your certificate wasn’t a fluke.
