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.