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How you present your key information is a major factor toward increasing your appeal to employers. But what might you actually do to make yourself into a more attractive package for recruiters? You have to start somewhere, acquiring attributes that you develop throughout your working life. Your university studies give you a sound knowledge basis as well as the chance to demonstrate and expand your transferable skills. Transferable skillsThroughout your education and work experience you develop skills in one context that may be transferred successfully into another. Focusing on skills is especially helpful when moving into new fields where your experience is limited. Experience is important, but it is possible to prove your suitability for a role with your potential and accomplishments. If you do not meet all the requirements listed for a job that interests you, consider the closest matching points you offer. Cite examples from your experience where you demonstrate skills that are needed in the role. Employers are keen to see evidence of the following attributes: - intellect and willingness to learn;
- teamwork and interpersonal skills;
- self-motivation and initiative;
- written and verbal communication skills;
- drive and enthusiasm;
- commitment and reliability;
- flexibility and adaptability;
- numeracy and analytical skills;
- creativity and problem-solving ability;
- customer focus and commercial awareness.
Review what you have achieved while studying and identify what each of your accomplishments shows. For example, essays demand written communication skills, group projects test your teamwork abilities and laboratory work demonstrates your analytical skills. To help with your review, use course handbooks and assignments and see options with your subject, which lists the transferable skills that each subject helps develop. Remember to take into account all your other activities, including sports and societies, employment, volunteering and work experience, community and home responsibilities, and social and leisure activities. Everyone uses a vast array of skills each day, but we rarely think about this and tend to take our strengths for granted. back to top Work experienceMany graduates find themselves in a very frustrating ‘experience trap’. You need experience to get a job, but you need the job to get experience. Fortunately, there are ways to put yourself in a position to enhance your employability. All work experience is valuable - paid or unpaid, at any level, in any setting. Make the most of your time by taking on a range of tasks that help you learn new skills and develop a broader understanding of your working environment. Get to know your colleagues, find out more about their roles and learn from them. Be flexible about the duties you take on. Basic administrative tasks like filing, compiling paperwork and data entry show you understand and use systems effectively. At the same time, the information you work with allows you to become familiar with the organisation’s business and culture. Your increased awareness is an asset whether you aim to stay with that employer or move on. Employers are most impressed by relevant experience. Once you set your sights on a particular job or sector, it makes sense to concentrate on expanding your experience.
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