Gone are the days when a degree was sufficient to secure a desired position; employers today place a strong emphasis on finding individuals who can adapt, learn quickly and contribute to the company’s growth and success from day one. 

For new graduates, being aware of the industries experiencing rapid growth, and the specific skills and attributes that employers in those fields value can provide a significant advantage in the job hunt and bolster your applications.

Why it helps to know what employers value

Understanding what an employer is looking for is essential for any new graduate embarking on the first steps of their career. By aligning skills and knowledge with the needs of businesses, you can increase your chances of standing out in a crowded job market for all the right reasons.

First, being aware of the specific skills that are in demand within your chosen industry means you can tailor your CV accordingly. You can then highlight relevant experiences that will help you position yourself as a ‘talented’ employee as well as demonstrate your suitability for a role you are pursuing.

It also shows that you’ve done your homework and researched an organisation’s culture and values before applying, which certainly goes in your favour. Companies want to hire individuals who will share their work ethic and vision, and having the right values and skillset will show employers that you’re able to contribute to the wider culture and long-term success of the business.

By continuously acquiring new skills and staying informed about industry trends, candidates can position themselves as adaptable, forward-thinking individuals who are committed to lifelong learning – qualities that are highly prized by employers.

In-demand skills

From a technical perspective, there are few industries today that won’t benefit from programming skills, especially those which utilise technology. Familiarity with data analysis tools, the ability to interpret and communicate insights, and strong digital literacy are incredibly valuable assets for various industries. If you can develop skills in the specific tools and software that your industry uses, so much the better.

Employers are also increasingly valuing soft skills like collaboration, communication and problem-solving. Strong interpersonal skills and being able to build relationships, whether with colleagues or clients, is highly sought after by so many companies. Employers are also looking for candidates who are critical thinkers and can adapt to problems with innovative solutions.

In addition to technical and soft skills, recruiters often seek candidates with specialised knowledge and expertise relevant to their industry. For example, SEOs will want to demonstrate they have a good understanding of GA4 while a software developer may want to showcase Machine Learning skills and/or knowledge of Cloud Computing. By cultivating a well-rounded skillset, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to potential employers and increase your chances of securing fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities.

Strategies for showcasing valued skills

While it’s important to understand what employers value, that means nothing if you don’t package it in the right way. Businesses are inundated with applications, so it’s vital you stand out – here are a few effective strategies.

Tailoring CVs and cover letters

One of the most effective ways to highlight your skills is to tailor your CV and cover letter to each role. Review the job requirements and strategically incorporate keywords and phrases they’ve used that demonstrate how your skills align with their needs.

Demonstrating continuous learning and professional development

Employers are looking for candidates who are committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, so showcasing your dedication to learning with online courses, self-study initiatives and workshops can really go in your favour. It highlights that you’re keen to stay up to date with industry knowledge and are forward-thinking, which businesses are keen to bring on board.

Fostering professional connections

Networking is a powerful business tool and graduates who actively participate in industry events and professional associations can leverage those connections to provide valuable insight for an employer. Make sure that you’re staying involved with networking events and highlighting this in job applications.

Keeping up to date on the in-demand skills employers are looking for will help graduates strategically position themselves as valuable assets. Whether that’s through highlighting relevant projects and experiences or building skills to stay ahead of other applicants, this knowledge will help you to stand out in a competitive market.

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Thank you to Dakota for writing this blog!

Dakota Murphey is an established freelance writer who regularly contributes to a number of authoritative resources online. She specialises in eCommerce, Digital Business, Marketing, Public Relations, Human Resources, Company Growth and Cybersecurity.