The Recruiters ’ Shopping List
There has been a great deal of research undertaken into the skills that employers are looking for . This list drawn up by Target Jobs is typical of the most commonly sought skills and competencies by graduate recruiters across the sectors .
Problem Solving : the mark of an independent employee Line managers don ’ t like hiring graduates who will come running every time they ’ re out of their depth . If you can take the pressure , make sense of your situation and step up with a solution , you ’ ll stand a better chance .
Time Management : being ahead of the game Knowing when and where to direct your efforts can be crucial for graduate hires . Self-management and the ability to work independently mean that you can look ahead and handle a heavy workload without losing control .
Enterprise Skills : seizing opportunities and seeing them through Using your initiative , being proactive , and getting things done without waiting for someone else to tell you to ; that ’ s enterprising . Graduates with strong enterprise skills can spot an opportunity and work its advantage .
Commercial Awareness : it ’ s how the industry fits together The most eligible graduates know how the business world works . They are aware of trends in the sector , and understand how they will affect their would-be employer . This is the beginning of commercial awareness .
Communication : the skill that sustains information flow The effective exchange of information is essential for a well-run business . Communication is more than what you say , though . For a graduate , it ’ s about learning to listen , understand and deliver words and information that keep things moving .
Teamwork : it ’ s high on the graduate recruiters ’ wish-list Teamwork has been identified by business lobbying organisation , the CBI , as one of the fundamental skills that employers look for and it ’ s on the graduate recruiters ’ high priority list . Show you can collaborate , influence and compromise .
Essential Skills and Competencies : be on top of the basics To offer recruiters the best package possible , make sure you compliment the big skills with good basics , including : writing , reading , numeracy , presentation , organisation , stamina , confidence and the ability to work under pressure .
Emotional Intelligence : what it takes to work with others We all have our own individual ways of behaving and interacting . Somehow we all have to work together . This takes emotional intelligence . You can understand why graduate recruiters want it .
Creativity : graduate recruiters like fresh thinking Innovation , imagination and intuition … creativity takes all three . A successful graduate career involves making both big breakthroughs and inspired evolutions .
Computer Skills : how to meet graduate recruiters ’ expectations Employers expect this generation ’ s graduates to have IT skills as a matter of course . You have to be willing to take on new technologies , especially when someone turns and says , ‘ you ’ re young ; how does this work ?’
Team Management : prove you ’ re a bit more than an entry-level hire Graduates are often hired as trainee managers and need influence and responsibility for others to make their team run well . This is about how you take the lead and get the best from people .
Customer Care : The Hard Business Skill With a Soft Edge Every graduate employer knows that customer satisfaction is an investment in their business . Graduates need to give clients and customers the same care and attention they would give their boss .
See http :// targetjobs . co . uk / careers-advice / skills-and-competencies for more detail .
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