You Already Have What It Takes For A Graduate Job

Whilst in University, the world of full time employment seems light years away. In University you spend you time drinking, playing sports and of course becoming a little bit too familiar with your chosen day time television programmes.

The world of full time employment and graduate jobs however is one of responsibility, time keeping and perhaps more worryingly for some graduates, work ethic! It's not all bad though, in return for your hard work and time, you can reap the rewards such as home ownership, holidays and membership to that elusive health club that had been previously out of your financial reach.

After going through University and graduating, you are without doubt excited at the prospect of working in your dream job, but to many, they do appear to be out of reach. Many job adverts mention that they are demanding experience, much too extensive for somebody who has not gained any as they have been in higher education. You shouldn't fear these adverts though. Why? Because you do actually have more experience than you may first appear to.

In reality, employers are looking for a variety of skills and qualities, in most cases they will be looking for skills that can be transferable, especially for graduate vacancies where you are not essentially expected to have too much in terms of on job experience. The interviewer will realise that its unlikely that you have done the work before, but instead will be attracted knowing that you are fresh and have a point to prove.

Here are some generic, transferable skills that people looking to employ graduates may be looking for:
- The ability to adapt their approach when needed. The business world changes pretty quickly, you'll need to be able to keep up with the pace
- Leadership abilities are often desirable. People with leadership skills tend to progress into management roles, recruiting from within a company is often cheaper so companies do like to go for that option.
- If you show initiative, you won't need to take up as much of your managers time. People with initiative can develop themselves and also work up towards management positions. This skill also covers of the attribute of being able to solve problems
- Interpersonal skills are essential in most organisations. You should be able to demonstrate that you will be able to communicate effectively and appropriately
- Finally, without question you need to be able to demonstrate that you are motivated and committed to the cause.

Yes these skills are general. But they do apply to all sorts of jobs and if you can delve into your memory and give examples of when you have displayed these traits, you will impress the interviewer. That graduate job could be yours!

Good luck