Starting off your career can be quite a challenging process, especially if you’ve only just walked out of school, college or university. At CV-Library, we’ve taken a look at what employers want from young people and have some tips on securing that ideal job.
Grades
We are always encouraged to work hard in school in order to get the grades. Good grades are likely to secure you an interview as it shows that you are a committed and willing to apply yourself to the task in hand. Our recent survey showed that 89.6 per cent believe that degrees are more important than experience alone, but today, work experience is just as valuable.
Experience and skills
Having work experience is so desirable because it is the only way to learn about being in a working environment. 60.6% of our survey respondents think that the number one piece of advice for graduates is to gain work experience alongside your degree, probably for this reason. As a result, if you have no experience it is difficult to get your foot in the door. However, you can highlight your “soft skills” learnt in education as an alternative, such as commitment, communication and decision making, as these skills are greatly valued in the working world too.
Confidence and willingness
Employers want to see young people having confidence in their abilities and in being able to fulfil a job role’s requirements. Simultaneously though, employers want young people to show a willingness to learn when they enter a working environment as they are only beginners. Show a balance of the two to secure that job.
Be realistic
Employers also want young people to be realistic. You cannot expect to get a whopping salary and a relatively advanced position in your first “proper” job. Employers respect applicants that are aware of their current position and those that have career goals for the future. Accept that you are just starting out and success is sure to follow.
For more information on starting a career, see our Careers Guidance Centre.
The post What employers want from young people appeared first on CV-Library Blog.