What employers want

Contrary to what most students think, academic qualifications and a killer resume are not all employers look for in a candidate for recruitment. Every year, hundreds of students graduate with the same class of degree. What makes one graduate stand out from another? This is where all the extra-curricular activities, and optional skills picked up during school, college and university days come in handy. The workplace of the 21st century is vastly different from what it was ten to twenty years ago. Today, computer skills, multiple languages, and a well rounded person is more employable than someone with just, straight A's. Here's more about what employers want in the people they hire.

Qualifications and experience.

Academic results
While having other skills are helpful, relevant and good academic qualifications remain essential. Employers want candidates who have consistently achieved good results throughout their degree course. Students should aim at least for an upper second honours degree.

Work experience
Candidates who have had some work experience relevant to their degree have an added advantage over those who have not. So, make full use of your semester breaks by enrolling in internship programmes or part time work. Any other form of work experience that contributes to personal development is a plus point.

Extracurricular activities
Employers tend to favour candidates who have been involved in sports, student or community groups, dance, drama or even religious groups. They show that the candidate leads a balanced life and involvement in committees mean that the candidate have been exposed to teamwork and may have demonstrated leadership skills.

Technical skills
Depending on the job you hope to apply for, you will need technical skills specific to the position. For instance, if you want to get into accounting, you must have the skills necessary for the job.

Special aptitudes

Those who have extra qualifications or abilities such as being able to speak a second or third language are bound to have an edge over other candidates. Knowledge in using certain computer software may be advantageous as well.

Postgraduate qualifications

While postgraduate qualifications may not specifically required, having them shows that you've spent more time studying and doing research, and that you have additional skills and knowledge compared to those who don't have postgraduate qualifications.

Personal qualities.

Some of the qualities employers want in their employees include:
Communication skills
Employers want people with excellent communication skills and are able to get the message across clearly whether verbally or in writing. You need to show that you are able to articulate your thoughts well and arrange them in a logical manner.

Honesty/integrity
Everybody wants an honest employee. Trust is essential in any kind of relationship, even an official one. This will ensure your continued employability in a company.

Teamwork skills
Often in the workplace you may need to work with a team of people who may be as varied in their personalities as the kinds of disciplines they come from. A product launch team might include representatives from the marketing, finance, and public relations divisions. Team players are much sought after while those who can't work in a team can hinder the progress of the project.

Interpersonal skills
The ability to relate well to others and to establish good working relationships is as important as having good communication skills.

Motivation/initiative
Do you have the ability to see opportunities and to set and achieve goals? Employers like employees who are energetic and have the enthusiasm to get the job done. Such people don't wait to be asked. They initiate, suggest, and deliver before the deadline.

Strong work ethics
Time is money so employers pay particular attention to how you spend your minutes in the office. Arriving at work on time is crucial.

Analytical and problem-solving skills
Many jobs require the ability to think critically and form conclusions based on the information given to you. This includes being creative. Creativity is the ability to think or express yourself in an original or unique way. Creativity allows you to think laterally and see different or better ways of doing something.

Flexibility/adaptability
Flexibility is the ability to adapt quickly to new ideas, technologies, methodologies and cultural change. Some jobs may require you to relocate or travel. You need to be prepared for this. If you're flexible, you'll easily adapt to changes in the workplace and evolve with your job and easily maintain your employability. The willingness to adapt is also an important part of teamwork.

Leadership
Leaders are people who have vision and are goal-oriented. They tend to be high achievers, go getters and willing take risks. They are also great encouragers and love to motivate other people. They are wonderful to have around and their enthusiasm is contagious.

Networking
The ability to develop and maintain networks of contacts is also important for certain jobs. Good public relations and interpersonal skills are needed for this kind of quality.

Other qualities that employers want

Good grooming habits
First impressions do matter and how you look from head to toe on the day of your interview is crucial. Your posture is also important as is how you carry yourself. Read up about body language and the messages they might inadvertently send.

Good manners and courtesy
Employers are bound to notice how you greet them and it will be a reflection of how you were brought up.

Self-awareness
Knowing your strengths and skills is an important step to having self confidence. It will also allow you to 'sell' your qualities to your prospective employer.

© GTI Specialist Publishers. Reproduced with permission.