What do employers want in new graduates?
22.03.2016
What do employers want in new graduates
What graduate employers want vs.
What graduates think they want
What skills, knowledge and qualities do employers look for?
| What employers want in their employees: | What grads think employers want: | |
| Interpersonal communication skills This is about how well you can communicate with others in and outside of the company, over emails & letters as well as in conversation. |
1 |
1 |
| Passion How much do you know about the industry? How much drive do you have? How committed are you to the company ideals? How positive is your attitude? |
2 |
3 |
| Logic & technical skills How good are your critical thinking and analytical skills? How well do you solve problems? Can you think laterally? What technical skills do you have? |
3 |
4 |
| Academic results How good are your marks? |
4 |
6 |
| Work experience |
5 |
2 |
| Cultural alignment/values fit Do your personal values align with those of the company? Is your personality one that will mix well with others who already work there? |
6 |
9 |
| Emotional intelligence How aware of your own strengths and weaknesses are you? How confident or motivated are you? |
7 |
7 |
| Teamwork skills |
8 |
5 |
| Activities What do you do besides study? Both in and outside of uni (eg. clubs, volunteering, hobbies) |
9 |
10 |
| Leadership skills |
10 |
8 |
Which disciplines are in demand?
|
Information Technology
|
29.2%
|
|
Business & Economics
|
26.4%
|
|
Health / Social Sciences
|
18.1%
|
|
Resource Engineering / Earth Sciences
|
15.3%
|
|
Other Engineering
|
11.1%
|
|
Mathematics / Statistics
|
8.3%
|
|
Accounting
|
6.9%
|
|
Sciences (excluding Earth Sciences)
|
4.2%
|
|
Other
|
5.6%
|
Key tips
 |
Even if employers put emphasis on a skill or attribute, it doesn’t mean that’s all they’re looking for. Do some self-assessment to figure out what your strengths are, and learn to highlight them. Your skills might fill a place the employer didn’t realise they needed until you walked in! |
 |
Keep a positive attitude, and show that you’re willing to learn. Employers are more likely to be put off by poor attitude and a lack of drive than they are by someone without leadership and communication skills. |
 |
You can always learn new skills! Take up a short course, or get some hands-on experience by helping a volunteer organisation. |
 |
Still missing out? Make sure to check out our tips on dealing with rejection, and then bounce right back! |
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I decided to study the “Mini MBA Project Management” program because I wanted to raise my own professional qualification. Great amount of the theoretical knowledge influenced on the whole effectiveness of the work thanks to its use in the professional sphere. The real situations from life and decisions that were made on the ground of the experience found its theoretical application. Thank the team for the excellent work!
Hyundai Motor
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ISD
This was a very eye opening program. It helped me to better understand myself as a person and as a leader. The Course was very informative on how I behave naturally in a situation, something I at times didn't realize. It gave me a unique insight into how other people perceive my actions. The program gave me tools to succeed as a good leader, it is something I am truly grateful for.
Ostchem Stirol
