Finding a job as a student or recent graduate can feel like an uphill battle. You might have the right qualifications, but if you don’t showcase the skills that employers are actually looking for, you could face unnecessary rejections.
A major issue is the disconnect between what employers value and what students believe is important. Many students assume their degree subject or grades are the most critical factors, but a survey of top UK graduate employers reveals that employability skills matter even more than degree subject, the university you went to, or your final results.
So, what exactly are employability skills and how can you develop them? First, take a look at this infographic and then we’ll explain everything in more detail below.
What are Employability Skills?
Employability skills refer to the personal attributes and abilities that help you get, keep and excel in a job. They generally fall into two main categories:
1. Workplace Skills
These are job-specific skills that are necessary for certain roles but may not transfer to other industries. For example, a forklift licence is essential for warehouse work, but it won’t help in a graduate finance job.
2. Transferable (Soft) Skills
These are the skills that enable you to work effectively with others in any workplace. Employers value these skills highly because they apply to all industries and job roles.
The Top 6 Transferable Skills employers look for
1. Organisation & Planning: Managing tasks and time efficiently.
2. Communication: The ability to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
3. Commercial awareness: Understanding how businesses operate and what makes them successful.
4. Initiative: Taking action and showing a proactive approach.
5. Teamwork: Working effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
6. Problem solving: Identifying issues and coming up with effective solutions.
Why do these skills matter?
A study of graduate employers found that 78 per cent consider employability skills when hiring, making them the most important factor in their decision-making process.
Without these skills, even the best academic achievements won’t be enough to secure a job. The good news? You don’t need to wait until after university to develop them, there are plenty of ways to gain these skills right now!
Be more like Mary…
In the infographic above, we compare two students, Tom and Mary. Both have strong academic records, but Mary stands out because she also has:
- A part time weekend job
- Leadership experience as captain of the hockey team
- A Duke of Edinburgh Award
These additional experiences showcase her employability skills, making her a stronger candidate in the job market. Employers aren’t just looking at grades, they want well-rounded individuals who can demonstrate real-world skills.
How to develop and showcase your Employability Skills
If you’re wondering how to build these skills while studying, here are some simple but effective ways:
1. Get a part time job
Even if it’s not related to your chosen career path, a part-time or holiday job is a fantastic way to gain essential skills. Retail, hospitality and office admin roles teach communication, teamwork and commercial awareness, all of which are valuable in any industry.
2. Join extracurricular activities
Being part of a sports team, music group, drama society, National Citizen Service, Cadets, Scouts or even a university club can demonstrate teamwork, leadership and problem solving skills. Employers love candidates who show commitment to activities outside of their studies.
3. Volunteer
Giving your time to a charity or non-profit helps develop teamwork and initiative while also showing that you’re a compassionate and engaged individual. Volunteering at a charity shop, for example, can also provide retail experience, which is great for future job applications.
Nothing says “team player” more than volunteering to help others.
4. Try freelancing or running a small business
Starting your own side hustle – whether it’s babysitting, tutoring, car washing, dog walking, selling handmade crafts or offering social media management – helps develop commercial awareness, organisation and communication skills.
Plus, it’s an impressive addition to your CV!
Print some flyers to market your service and write down a sales pitch to demonstrate your commercial awareness skills.
5. Step out of your comfort zone
Employers value candidates who take the initiative to try new things. Whether it’s public speaking, organising an event or taking part in a leadership programme like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, putting yourself out there shows confidence and determination.
You don’t know what you are capable of until you give it a go!
Final thoughts
Developing your employability skills isn’t just about boosting your CV; it’s about preparing yourself for the workplace and increasing your chances of landing a great job.
Start gaining experience now, whether through part time work, extracurricular activities or personal projects. The more skills you build, the more doors you will open for yourself.
Looking for student-friendly job opportunities right now? Then do a search above to check out our latest listings in your area and start applying today!
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