1. Oral & Written Communication

The number one skill graduates need apart from the relevant credential to do the job is the skill of communication, both verbal and written. For many as we stated above, you may not have ever worked in a role where you are constantly communicating with different departments, clients and other stakeholders within the business. Your ability to communicate effectively is of paramount importance. This could be via phone, conference calls, emails or letters. Throughout your CV, you should show your abilities in this department. From the minute you submit your application, you are being judged in this regard. If you worked on group projects in college, show how you communicated effectively, let them know you understand its importance in the workplace. Without the ability to do this, you are going to struggle to find that elusive graduate role.

 

2. Literacy & Numeracy

For many the idea of having these skills in your armoury is a given. Your ability to be able to read and write proficiently is a basic skill expected of you from employers. Similarly, numeracy is the same. Employers expect potential candidates to be able to read, write and work with numbers (to a basic level for most positions). No matter the industry you are seeking to enter, you should attempt to include these skills and examples of them throughout your CV and at interview. The reason we say “no matter the industry” is because you may not realise it, but you will possibly need to use numeracy skills in the job you are applying for. An example of this would be in HR. Many would think it is all about “hiring and firing”, dealing with employee issues and numbers do not really enter the fray. However, what about when you are asked to furnish the Managing Director with the labour turnover rates for the previous 6 months? By showing in your CV and at interview you are competent in these areas, you will be keeping yourself in with a chance of being successful.

 

3. Time Management & Organisation

Again, these may seem like obvious skills, necessary for graduates to have when applying for a job in any industry, however your ability to display these skills through your CV and at interview could be the difference between another candidate being offered the position or you receiving an offer. Many graduates come into employment after 3^rd level not having ever worked other than part time. We hear from employers a lot about how previous graduates they hired had all the right credentials to carry out the job, but they could not organise or manage their time.

What you may not realise is that employers today give their staff more responsibility and freedom to get their work completed. You will be given a deadline and that is it. No step by step guidelines on what should be done first. It is up to you to be able to organise your work and manage your time in order to get the task done on time. Make sure that you have mentioned this in your CV and also be prepared to give examples at interview.

 

4. Teamwork

Have you worked in a team that did not work well together? Have you worked in a team that one person made it almost impossible to succeed? Most of us have and you should think back as to why this was and ensure you never become this type of colleague/team member. In pretty much all roles and industries today, a department’s ability to work together effectively to achieve a common goal is vital. Display in your CV and at interview, times you have done this successfully. Be ready to talk about a time when you contributed to a team effort and achieved a common goal. If a potential employer does not see you as being a good team player, they will not even consider your application any further. Don’t ever be that team member who does not pull their weight or contribute to the goal being achieved.

 

5. Innovative & Enterprising

In all industries, we will come up against problems and issues that need to be solved before a project can move forward. The graduates that have the ability to think creatively and solve these issues are the ones that will move up through the ranks of the company fastest. No problem is unsolvable, employers want graduates that can look at a problem from different angles and figure out innovative methods to solve them. As stated previously, the days of employers standing over graduates and telling them how to do everything are gone. This is the “big bad world” and you can look no further than yourself to overcome issues. Graduates who can re-frame or streamline the processes of the company will quickly find themselves becoming vital cogs in the running of their new employers businesses. Be open minded and never be afraid to put your stamp on things.

 

6. Adaptability

Some of us like to have a certain job within the business that we are good at and would rather not stray too far from. This is natural as human beings we tend not to welcome change. However, being open and adaptable within the workplace is no longer an option but a necessity. You will find yourself moving between departments, roles and projects at graduate level. The important thing is that you use this time to learn and develop yourself personally for greater things down the line. Graduate employers love nothing more than to see a new recruit getting hands on and seeking to learn all aspects of the business. Be adaptable and open to change within the workplace, as it is inevitable.

 

These are just some of the basics that graduates should be able to show both on their CV and at interview. There are many more technical and job specific skills that an individual must have depending on the role they are seeking, however above are those that all should have. We will discuss the various skills required for various industries in the coming weeks.

For further advice on this topic or any other topic related to graduate employability, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at info@gradsecure.com.