The skills corporates look for when recruiting students and graduates

Hey, soon to be graduates! This post may interest you…

From one graduate to another, applying for a job after graduating is a daunting task – been there, done that! Graduates often don’t have an abundance of work experience under their belt, so recruiters try to understand the candidate’s potential by assessing their skills. Therefore, by possessing these several skills, you’re one step closer in getting noticed by a recruiter and getting that dream job.

Here are some skills that corporates look for when recruiting graduates:

1. Independence

A candidate who can work independently without much supervision is always a winner in the eyes of the recruiter/employer. This shows that you’re able to perform well on your own, as well as make your own decisions. This usually benefits the candidate in the long run.

2. Teamwork

Independence, individuality and isolation is all well and good when you want to strictly focus and produce your best work, but teamwork is equally important. Recruiters often look at resumes with the hope of noticing the candidate’s ability to work in small and large groups.

3. Self-Motivation

Nobody enjoys being in the presence of a lazy employee. Recruiters are always looking for individuals that can motivate themselves from time to time, as well as the people around them. This not only increases the mood at the office but also increases productivity.

4. Time-Management Skills

From submitting projects before deadlines to arriving on time at your place of employment are two things recruiters and employers notice. Additionally, if the candidate was able to manage studying, completing assignments, partake in extra-curricular activities or hold onto a part time job, this emphasises great time-management skills.

5. Volunteerism

Volunteerism is often an overlooked skill as no one wants to waste their time doing a task that does not benefit them. However, offering to volunteer your time to extra tasks paints a picture worth a thousand words about who you are to your employer. Volunteerism also shows off your great time-management skills and sincerity.

6. Communication Skills

Communication is an effective tool and being able to converse face-to-face is an important skill to have. A candidate that communicates with confidence, calmness and politeness always has a higher chance of being hired.

7. Creativity

One of the main reasons as to why corporates tend to hire graduates is due to their “freshness” and enthusiasm that they bring to the work environment. An individual that is creative often compensates for the lack of work experience.

If you have all these skills, you’re one step closer! All the best with applying for your dream job!