Top 9 Skills Employers Look For in a Fresh Graduate

As a fresh graduate, it can be tough trying to figure out what skills you need to succeed in the workforce. It can be tough figuring out what employers actually want. You've got your degree, but what else are they looking for?

What employers are looking for can vary depending on the industry, but there are some skills that are universally desired.

In this article, we will discuss the top 9 skills that employers look for in a fresh graduate. If you want to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward when applying for jobs, make sure that you have these skills!

Teamwork

Teamwork is often cited as one of the most important skills that employers look for in job candidates. And it's no wonder why—in today's workplace, the ability to work well with others is more important than ever.

To be successful, businesses must be able to rely on their employees to work collaboratively towards common goals. From taking direction from others to pitching in when needed, being a team player is essential to be productive and successful.

How to showcase it in your resume:

• Highlight group projects. Did you lead a team in university? Were you the go-to collaborator in your part-time job? Talk about those experiences!

• Use action verbs like "collaborated," "contributed," "supported," and "facilitated" to demonstrate your teamwork abilities.

Communication skills

Communication is key in any industry. Whether you're writing emails or reports or giving presentations, employers want to see that you can communicate effectively. This means being able to articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely. In addition, employers want to see that you can listen attentively and respond accordingly. Good communication skills are essential in any workplace, so it's important to make sure that you hone your skills in this area.

How to showcase it in your resume:

• Highlight presentations or public speaking experiences. Did you give a presentation in class? Were you the spokesperson for a student club?

• Emphasise your written communication skills. Did you write reports, articles, or create content for a website?

Problem-solving skills

Third on the list of desired skills is problem-solving. This is a skill that employers value because it shows that you are resourceful and that you can think outside the box. They want to see that you can identify problems and come up with creative solutions.

Problem-solving also requires excellent communication skills, as you will need to be able to explain your proposed solution to others. When faced with a problem, take some time to consider all of the potential solutions before settling on the best course of action. Be prepared to justify your decision, and be open to feedback from others.

How to showcase it in your resume:

• Use the STAR method. This is a classic technique for showcasing your skills with real-life examples.

  • Situation: Describe the problem you faced.

  • Task: What was your role in solving it?

  • Action: What steps did you take?

  • Result: What was the outcome?

• Focus on achievements. Did you streamline a process, increase efficiency, or solve a customer issue?

Time management skills

Many new graduates find themselves struggling with time management. After all, it can be difficult to juggle multiple deadlines and priorities when you're still getting used to the working world.

However, it's important to remember that time management is a skill that can be learned and perfected with practice. If you want to impress your employer, start by creating a list of your daily tasks and prioritise them based on importance. Then, try to stick to a schedule as much as possible and avoid procrastinating. It's also helpful to take some time at the end of each day to plan for the next day. With a little effort, you'll soon find that you're able to manage your time like a pro.

How to showcase it in your resume:

• Use quantifiable results. Did you manage a project on a tight deadline? Did you consistently meet or exceed deadlines in your previous roles?

• Highlight your organisational skills. Did you use tools or systems to stay organised and prioritise tasks?

Organisation skills

Employers want to see that you can keep track of your work and that you are organised. Being able to organise your thoughts and your work will go a long way in any job. There will be times when the workload will be overwhelming and being able to stay organised will help you stay on top of things. There are many different ways to stay organised, so find what works best for you and stick with it. Employers will be impressed with your ability to stay on top of your work, and it will make their job easier as well.

How to showcase it in your resume:

• Highlight your experience with project management tools or systems.

• Mention your ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.

• Give specific examples of how you've stayed organised in past roles or projects.

Adaptability

As the workplace continues to evolve, employers are increasingly valuing employees who are adaptable and flexible. The ability to adapt is essential in today's workplace, where change is the only constant. Whether it's a new company policy or a change in your job duties, being able to roll with the punches is an important skill that employers value. Show them that you're the kind of person who can handle whatever comes your way, and you'll be sure to stand out from the crowd.

How to showcase it in your resume:

• Talk about a time you had to adjust to a new situation or learn something quickly.

• Highlight your willingness to take on new responsibilities or challenges.

• Mention any experiences where you had to be flexible or think outside the box.

Being proactive

Employers value employees who are proactive and who take initiative. They want to see that you are willing to take on new challenges and that you are not afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You can volunteer to take on an additional project, or help out your colleagues with their tasks.

Whatever you do, make sure that you are doing it with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. It will also benefit you as you will gain more experience by taking initiative.

How to showcase it in your resume:

• Give examples of times you took initiative, whether it was in a class project, a part-time job, or a volunteer role.

• Use action verbs that demonstrate proactivity, such as "initiated," "developed," "implemented," or "led."

Digital skills

Graduates who are confident with technology and have strong digital skills are in high demand with employers. In today's increasingly digital world, employers need staff who are comfortable using computers and various tools and technologies. They want to see that you can navigate your way around a computer and that you are willing to learn new skills.

If you are not confident with technology, now is the time to start learning. There are plenty of free online resources that can help you to improve your digital skills.

How to showcase it in your resume:

• List your proficiency in specific software programs, programming languages, or digital tools.

• Highlight any projects or experiences where you used digital skills effectively.

Strong work ethics

Graduates who have a strong work ethic are highly valued by employers. This is because they know that these graduates are reliable and willing to put in the hard work. They also know that these graduates are committed to their job and will do what it takes to get the job done. Employers know that they can rely on these graduates to get the job done and that they will not give up easily. Graduates with a strong work ethic are an asset to any company and will always be in demand.

How to showcase it in your resume:

• Highlight examples of your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to achieving goals.

• Use action verbs that demonstrate a strong work ethic, such as "exceeded," "achieved," "managed," or "implemented."

The bottom line: your skills matter more than your grades

If you have these skills, then you are on your way to impressing employers and landing the job of your dreams! Make sure that you highlight these soft skills on your resume and in your cover letter.

And remember, even if you don't have all of these skills, that doesn't mean that you can't learn them! The important thing is that you show your willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Looking to stand out among the other fresh graduates? Make sure you highlight these skills on Kabel profile here. We match you to jobs that aligns with your skills, interests and purpose!