EMPLOYABILITY
Employability Skills Introduction Employers can be very demanding in their expectations of those applying for their job vacancies. Graduates are expected to possess relevant skills, abilities and personal qualities in addition to good academic qualifications. Those who can demonstrate these skills have a distinct advantage and are likely to be successful when competing for jobs. To be able to develop your skills appropriately you must first recognise the skills and abilities the employer is seeking.
Skills and abilities employers are seeking Though some employers will be looking for specific or specialist skills many are looking for general skills which are often referred to as transferable, employability, soft, key or core skills. These skills can be developed in one place but applied in a different environment; they can be used in a variety of settings and can be developed through life experiences.
SKILLS EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR
Adaptability Business Awareness Communication Enterprising skills IT Skills People Skills
Presentation Problem Solving Professional Attitude Self-resilience Specialist and technical skills Team working Time management
Adaptability Every work environment is fast changing, adapting to new technology, work practices, staff and structural changes. You need to be flexible and react positively to
Experience
It is likely that you have been adaptable
by going to university where you didn’t know anyone or perhaps by working/volunteering abroad.
change. Business Awareness An understanding of the organisation you work for such as how business is organised, the work ethos and what it is trying to achieve. Also being aware of the industry sector and how the organisation fits within this sector.
Knowledge
Before you work for an organisation
you can research them online. When you work for an organisation you can keep up-to-date with company and job sector news.
Page |2 Communication This involves listening as well as talking. You must be able to follow instructions carefully and be able to raise issues with you colleagues. It is also important to tailor
Experience
During your course you will have
communicated with a wide variety of people, worked on team projects and listened to feedback.
your communication to who you are talking to. Critical Thinking and Decision Making
Knowledge
Employers want people who are able to objectively analyse, evaluate and come up with solutions.
Graduates use critical thinking during
their course; this knowledge can applied at work.
Enterprising skills Although ‘Enterprising’ is used in relation to starting your own business, it is also a desirable skill in the workplace and involves being proactive with a ‘Can do’ attitude,
it
involves
identifying
opportunities,
Experience
You can evidence this skill by showing
employers you have been involved with opportunities at university such as the Employability Award, voluntary work, work experience etc.
improvements and successfully implementing these within the workplace. Employers are particularly keen on this skill. IT Skills Most workplaces have numerous databases/ technology that you have to work with, so being used to using a variety of software packages and IT devices is beneficial.
Knowledge
Having a sound knowledge of all the
basic Microsoft packages will really help, this include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
Peoples skills Interpersonal, customer service, team working, oral communication, leadership skills. Foreign language
Experience
You can evidence this with any group
work you have undertaken which involved collaboration
skills can also be an advantage in certain job sectors.
and compromise. Also any work experience where you have worked with customers or children.
Presentation This is particularly important for graduate level jobs as the
role
will
often
involve
promoting
their
Knowledge
Graduates will often have been able to
practice this during their degree course.
product/service, holding team meetings with staff or presenting to a company board. Problem solving Organisations who employ graduates want people who can think on their feet and create solutions to problems.
Experience University students use this skill when deciding how to write an essay, what arguments and evidence to put forward; managing a budget and making lots of key decisions during your time at university.
Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise Updated August 2014
Page |3 Professional attitude Ability to critically evaluate own performance, improve and develop accordingly setting a high standard.
Experience
You will have received feedback on
academic work and a mature attitude allows you to take on
board
feedback
and
improve
your
future
performance. Self-reliance skills Such as pro-activity, willingness to learn, decision making and prioritising.
Experience You will have been self-reliant during your university course, making sure you attend lectures and hand your work in on time.
Specialist & technical skills Relevant occupational skills or qualifications. Not all jobs will require this skill
Knowledge
Any vocational course will provide the
knowledge required for a particular professional career.
Team working skills Wherever you work you will need to get on with a group of people, often from a variety of different backgrounds and age groups.
You will often see
Teamwork on job descriptions as good cooperation increases productivity at work and employees need to
Experience
Team work is often part university life.
You will often be asked to complete a group project as part of your course, and anyone who is a member of a club or sports team will be experienced at working well with others.
be able to listen and be considerate to other people and be willing to work together. Time Management You will need to prioritise tasks on a daily basis and yearly basis.
Experience
University is an ideal place to practice
this skill as you will need to manage numerous tasks such as multiple assignment deadlines, part-time work and your social life.
Time management tips:
Make a ‘to-do’ list ensuring that you prioritise your academic studies above your social life and work.
Set a false early deadline for any assignments to ensure you have extra time for unforeseen problems.
Set an alert on your calendar, so that you are reminder a few weeks/days before the deadline/false deadline.
Aim to arrive at least five minutes early for your lectures and appointments.
All of this will help you build good habits for you continue when you are working full time. You will not need to develop each of these skills to the same level as different jobs will require different skills. One of the key skills employers are looking for is the willingness to learn and the ability to apply your skills to practical situations. A good degree qualification and some work experience will help your job application when you graduate. Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise Updated August 2014
Page |4
How to develop your skills and experience? See the careers leaflets
Career Planning Action
Developing your Employability with your year of study,
Collect copy from the Resource Centre or email bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk These leaflets give ideas of how you can develop your skills and experience. Your success in gaining skills will depend upon your self-motivation, awareness of your skills and your commitment to actively developing them. Keep your DCP up-to-date! Remember to keep an ongoing record of the skills you are learning, using your DCP is ideal.
Your tutor will refer to your DCP when they write your reference
You can refer back to it when you need to complete and application and need to tell employers about your skills and experience.
Demonstrate your skills One of the main reasons for developing the skills employers are seeking is to prove to employers that you have what it takes to do the job they are offering. You will need to demonstrate that you have the skills by giving examples of how you have used them. If you can demonstrate your skills have a distinct advantage and are likely to be successful when competing for jobs.
Where to find more information Resources Centre View factsheets, books, guides and folders with information. Online
Blackboard (BGfutures)or the BG Futures section on the website (www.bishopg.ac.uk/careers) Access the “Making yourself Employable Section” with information and links to useful websites.
BG Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise Operates in accordance with the University Diversity and Equality Policies. If you require this document in an alternative format, for example in large print, please email us at bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk For more information go to Blackboard or www.bishopg.ac.uk/careers Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise Updated August 2014