North-West University Career Centre: Services to students
Tips for your job search: What employers are looking for
Many employers report that students have trouble with grammar, cannot write and lack presentation skills in general. Poor communication skills are often evident in the interview, where students are unable to articulate information clearly. It is the sad truth that these skills are exactly what employers are looking for most in potential candidates.
Consider the following top skills and focus on those you need to develop to be competitive in the job market:
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Communication skills Evaluate your communication skills – do your friends always understand your explanations and notes? You need verbal communication skills for speaking, facilitating meetings, explaining ideas and information, using diplomacy and tact, negotiating, responding to questions and managing conflict situations. Written communication skills are needed for report writing, editing documents and letters, and developing information for the organisation. Practise to communicate clearly and effectively through e-mails, reports, essays, letters and presentations. |
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Prioritising – performing tasks in order of their importance
You need to be able to: |
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Leadership and management skills – persuading people to participate in your plans and share your goals These skills include setting clear goals and communicating them; delegate and assign tasks and responsibilities; evaluating performance; coordinating, planning and organizing; influencing and motivating others; making and implementing decisions; strategic planning; taking responsibility for actions; managing finances and budgets; providing feedback and facilitate growth and development. |
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Computer skills You are a part of the information age and computer skills are a basic fact of life for most employees. More and more jobs are demanding that employers become familiar with computer applications. Enhance your computer know-how to improve your employability now and for the future. Ensure that you know Windows, PowerPoint, desktop publishing and how to prepare spreadsheets. Without the knowledge necessary to make simple presentations, spreadsheets, etc., a job seeker is likely to be passed over. |
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Interpersonal relationships – getting along with others and fostering teamwork
Would you be able to facilitate good relations among your colleagues?
• Manage interpersonal conflict |
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Multitasking and handling pressure
Can you do several things simultaneously? Do you function well in difficult situations? Do you remain calm, tactful and professional even when facing deadlines? Can you maintain perspective and objectivity, manage complex situations, focus on relevant issues and be quick to understand and interpret information? These skills are necessary for adjusting to changing situations and conditions, learning new information, applying knowledge, anticipating and resolving problems, generating ideas, remaining productive and effective during new or difficult situations. |
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Problem solving, analytical and critical thinking You need these skills to:
• Identify and define situations and needs |
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Apart from the skills mentioned, employers are also looking for the following personal characteristics:
• A positive attitude, enthusiasm, optimism |
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Information adapted from the LAURIER Career Centre website and Janet Garber’s ‘I need a job, now what?!’ |
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