The PayScale report says it all: more than 85% of college graduates feel they are well-prepared to enter the workforce, but just 50% of hiring managers agree. More than that, 51% of college graduates work at jobs that don’t require a degree at all.
So, if college education doesn’t guarantee employment, what do you need to land a job?
During the interview process, hiring managers are looking for two distinct types of skills: hard and soft.
Hard skills include specific knowledge required to complete the responsibilities associated with a given job. These are skills you acquire through formal education or on-the-job training. It’s not a problem to get them.
Exhibiting soft skills is where graduates struggle. These interpersonal skills enable workers to efficiently and harmoniously co-exist.
The following are the skills hiring managers say are most lacking and what recent graduates can do to increase their appeal.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Unfortunately, few workdays pass without challenges. You must be able to stay calm in tricky situations and identify the most efficient resolution. To improve problem-solving skills and hone critical thinking, try the following:
1) Focus less on the actual problem and more on possible solutions.
2) Incorporate more positivity into your language—rather than, “I can’t,” go with, “I’ll try!”
3) Simplify your life.
Writing Proficiency
In today’s technologically-dependent society, writing skills are often limited to brief text messages and Snapchat conversations. Recent graduates lack the writing fluency that came naturally to older generations. Since upper management and hiring professionals are most often not from Gen X, an absence of writing proficiency is especially noticeable and disappointing.
Look for additional learning opportunities online. Formal classes, self-assessed tools, and alternative writing opportunities will help to learn proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Attention to Detail
Hiring managers look for employees who will represent their brand accurately and professionally. Workers who feel unprepared to handle what’s ahead of them are more likely to make mistakes. Start with your personal life so you can later transfer those skills to your job.
1) Don’t multitask or procrastinate.
2) Make lists.
3) Maintain a calendar so you don’t miss important events.
4) And, minimize distractions as often as possible.
Communication
Effective communication seems easy to master, but many graduates struggle in this regard because they are immediately confronted with expectations that don’t always exist in the classroom setting.
Consider what you’re conveying with both spoken and unspoken communication.
1) Have a firm handshake.
2) Always make eye contact.
3) Introduce yourself.
4) Speak in complete sentences.
5) Attend to personal hygiene.
6) Dress appropriately.
7) Be slow to speak and quick to listen.
8) Consider the other person’s perspective.
9) Have empathy.
10) Be patient.
11) Think before you speak.
12) Recognize and adhere to deadlines.
13) Learn to speak appropriately to the given audience.
Leadership
Back in 2014, 63% of millennials wanted to be leaders at work. Today, their number only grows, and they aren’t necessarily interested in achieving a more important title or advancing through the hierarchy. Rather, they want to create a positive impact on the company’s overall results. It’s great, but how can you demonstrate your worth, while also earning respect?
1) Identify what you are passionate about.
2) Determine your strengths and how to use them best
3) Establish moral standards you won’t compromise.
Teamwork
The essential component of the workforce, teamwork can take a while for new hires to understand. You need to know your individual role and best ways to contribute.
1) Don’t be afraid to offer help beyond your duties.
2) Prove you can come to terms with changes, and you are ready to lend a helping hand to others.
3) Be positive and encouraging. Each team needs a sort of “cheerleader.” of sorts. Inspire your team, motivating them to accomplish more.
While it’s true that half of all hiring managers feel recent graduates aren’t prepared for the workplace, this impression is to your advantage. Understanding where your skills might be deficient and honing those characteristics now, you’ll get a significant advantage during the interview process.
