Skills employers look for in college graduates

Are you ready for your first job after graduating? Get ready to show off your talent. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers' Job Outlook survey, there are a handful of specific skills that employers look for in college graduates.

Below are the 10 most sought-after traits and skills that hiring managers want this year's graduates to include on their resumes.

10 skills employers look for in college graduates

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1. Problem-solving skills

Employers want college graduates to demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills. Many hiring managers use behavioral questions in interviews - phrases like "Tell me about a time when" or "Give me an example of" - to assess a candidate's problem-solving ability. Therefore, prepare stories that portray you as a problem solver.

You don't need any professional experience to prove you're a problem solver. Think about times when you were proactive, innovative or very responsive to a challenge, e.g. E.g. when you resolved a customer complaint at an on-campus coffee shop. Better yet, show that you took the initiative to identify a problem and then solve it.

2. Analytical skills

Many HR managers want to hire entry-level professionals who have analytical skills, i.e. H. they're looking for critical thinkers - people who know how to gather and evaluate information and then make good decisions based on that information.

3. Ability to work in a team

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It goes without saying that no one likes an employee who wants to steal the spotlight. But unlike your student career, where you are truly the only one who can determine success or failure, in the workplace you rely on teams to get the work done. It's no wonder that hiring managers want to know that you can work well with a variety of personalities.

You must learn to delegate, take direction, appreciate differences of opinion, and leverage your employees' strengths and weaknesses. Being a team player means, above all, being reliable and trustworthy.

4. Written communication skills

Good communication skills will always be among the most important skills employers are looking for. Most managers believe that mastery of writing is the most sought-after skill among college graduates. Therefore, a well-written cover letter is crucial.

You should highlight experiences on your resume that demonstrate your writing skills. For example, if you volunteered to write for a group project at college, you should mention that on your resume. And depending on the type of industry - marketing, communications or journalism, to name a few - you may also include writing samples with your application. A writing portfolio speaks for itself and shows what you are capable of doing on paper.

5. Initiative

Combined with leadership and technical knowledge, HR managers say they want college graduates who can take the initiative. The maxim “Show them, don’t just tell them” applies here. In the "Work Experience" section of your resume, provide an example where you addressed a difficult situation head-on or where you were able to avert a problem through your own initiative.

6. Strong work ethic

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Regardless of what field you work in, for most employers considering you for a position at their company, having dedication and commitment to your work is a must. Best of all, you don't need any professional experience to demonstrate a strong work ethic. All you have to do is show up on time, be committed to the quality of your work, and strive for improvement.

7. Technical skills

Technical skills round off this three-way battle. Many industries, not just technology, require professionals with technical skills. For example: HR managers believe that college graduates should have technical skills. Describe how you have used your technical skills in the past. For example, if you state on your resume that you have Java experience, you should also describe how you used the program on a specific project during your studies.

8. Flexibility/adaptability

HR managers are looking for university graduates who can cope with the circumstances and stand on their own feet. If you resist change or learning new things, you'll have a hard time convincing companies that you're worth the effort of training. The 2020 pandemic taught employees that they need to be prepared for anything - including a sudden switch from the office to working from home. Show that you are not intimidated by change and can adapt accordingly.

9. Detail oriented

Hiring managers look for college graduates who demonstrate a high level of attention to detail. Therefore, make sure your resume is impeccable, free of typos and grammatical errors, and uses clear, concise, and effective language.

10. Leadership qualities

Most hiring managers want their potential applicants to have good leadership skills. Believe it or not, there are ways to show potential employers that you have leadership potential even before you enter the workforce.

If you held a leadership role in college (e.g. president of the French Club), you should highlight that on your resume. If you acted as an informal leader on a group project, talk about that experience in the interview. Also, obtain letters of recommendation from former internship managers that highlight your leadership skills.