Some careers are open to all: read up on them in the TARGETjobs magazine

The top 10 skills that'll get you a job when you graduate

With so many graduates now on the market, employers will look for evidence of skills and work experience which will make you stand out from the crowd

TOP TEN SKILLS

  • Commercial awareness (or business acumen) - knowing how a business or industry works and the commercial imperatives that make companies tick.
  • Communication - including presentations and written and verbal communication skills.
  • Teamwork - proving you're a team player but with the ability to manage others and take on responsibility.
  • Negotiation and persuasion - being able to get your way' but also understanding where the other person is coming from.
  • Problem solving - including analysis and logical thinking.
  • Leadership - motivating a team, assigning tasks and deadlines and being able to lead a team.
  • Organisation - prioritising your workload and time.
  • Ability to meet deadlines - proving your efficiency and time management skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure - keeping calm in a crisis and not becoming too overwhelmed or stressed.
  • Confidence - in yourself, your colleagues and the company.

Employer buzzwords

There are certain words which are key to catching an employer's interest. Mention them in your CV and at interviews and see how impressed they are with your business-speak (but don't go overboard or you'll sound daft).

  • Initiative
  • Dynamic
  • Teamplayer
  • Proactive
  • Leadership qualities
  • Self-motivated
  • Multitasking
  • Willing to go the extra mile
  • Ability to think outside of the box
  • Goal-focused

Top tips for impressing employers

  • Concentrate on getting the best degree result you can!
  • Make the most of university life and extra-curricular activities.
  • Think of any relevant work experience and voluntary work which will give you transferable skills.
  • Network! You can use family, friends and contacts to get work experience.
  • Sign up on targetjobs.co.uk for news and job alerts.
  • Sign up for relevant courses and workshops at your careers service.
  • Take advantage of careers fairs and employer presentations.
  • Consider smaller, less well-known (but still brilliant) recruiters.
  • Do your homework before applying - use targetjobs.co.uk!
  • Keep believing in yourself and never give up!

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