What’s the difference between skills, qualifications and experience?

In terms of the job market, skills are the abilities and qualities you need to do a job well – they might be ‘soft’ (such as communication and teamwork) or they might be technical (such as the ability to use certain software). They often involve the application of knowledge and understanding. Qualifications are external proof that you have knowledge and understanding of a subject to a certain level. Experience is a time when you have carried out a job or similar tasks in the past.

Which is more important: skills, qualifications or experience?

Whether skills, qualifications or experience is more important depends on the job role and its seniority. At a graduate level, some jobs require you to have a degree in a specific subject, as you need subject knowledge to undertake the role. For others, any degree is acceptable, as the employer just wants to see that you have the intellectual capability to carry out the role. All employers will want you to have the skills to do the job well. Employers like to see work experience because it develops those skills (and, if in a directly relevant position, it proves your interest in the profession). If you can prove you have the skills and interest without work experience, graduate recruiters will generally consider your application – but relevant work experience will give you an edge.

How do you know if a job is right for you?

You won’t know for certain until you start the job. But there are ways to look for clues beforehand. Contact recruiters and professionals in similar roles at your chosen company to ask them informal questions. Look at anonymous job review sites (but be wary of those with axes to grind). Use interviews and assessment centres to ask questions. Of course, as a student, the best way to get a feel for the job and the employer is to gain an internship.

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Wondering if you have got the right degree for DevOps, the skills to be a successful solicitor or the experience to be an ergonomist? Deciding between becoming a teacher or TV director? OK. We’ll stop with the alliteration. But, in order to find the best job for you, you will need to know what a role actually involves, the skills and qualifications you’ll need and what work experience is most beneficial. Our collection of job profiles give you that information quickly, along with other key data such as salary ranges. What’s more, we break down roles by sector and values to inspire your search.

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Want a creative career?

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Fashion designer: job description

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Fashion designers create the concepts for and design original clothing, accessories and footwear.

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UX designers make websites, apps and other products easy and enjoyable for customers to use.

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Marketing managers (social media) use platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to promote brands by posting promotional content and interacting with an existing customer base.

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