Top 6 Skills or the top 6 skills that employers are looking for in recent graduates in 2022 For all new graduates, whether they are about to graduate or are about to receive a degree or have graduated but the COVID-19 crisis has caused job applications to be postponed. Everyone is often taught to build a good GPA since they started studying as a child until they entered their first year of university until they graduate. Can these things prove and guarantee that we will get a good job 100%?
“The bad news is that employers are now paying less attention to a candidate’s GPA than they used to.”
This sounds like bad news. Yes, it is bad news if a graduate is still proud of their GPA and thinks that this is enough to get a job or a job. “With such good grades, everyone will hire me.” But you are wrong. If teachers continue to instill this kind of mindset and goal in their students, the good news is that fewer and fewer employers are interested in a candidate’s GPA. If grades are not an advantage in getting a job, then what is?
“What are employers looking for in recent graduates?”
According to a recent report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), only 37 percent of employers are actively screening recent graduates by their GPA, down from 73.3 percent last year. That’s a change that signals that GPA screening is slowing down efforts to build and develop a workforce, said Shawn VanDerziel, NACE’s executive director.
“As a graduate, you must understand why grades don’t determine your career potential.”
The changes from NACE show us that the industry is becoming more open and realistic. In the past, every child was judged on their grade point average. But as a graduate, every graduate knows that it is not fair to judge based on their grade point average alone. There are still children who do other tasks and take on other responsibilities well while studying, which are skills that could be developed to benefit the organization. But these skills are not valued in the grade point average that is recognized on the academic transcript.
So now the question is, what are employers looking for in candidates?
The survey found that there are 6 top skills that employers are most interested in and looking for from new graduates in 2022 as follows:
Skill 1: Problem Solving Skills
More than 61.4% of employers said this is a very or extremely important skill. They want employees who can identify problems and find solutions. No matter what your major is or what your GPA is, you need to be able to assess the various aspects of a problem and decide on the most likely way to find the answer and come to a conclusion. Of course, having a backup plan in case of a mistake is a key part of the problem-solving process.
Skill 2: Ability to work in a team
61% of employers look for teamwork in all candidates. Because of course, a corporate job is not a job that we can do alone. Therefore, employees who come in should have teamwork skills. While you are still studying, you can practice these skills by working in groups or playing team sports. There will be players who like and dislike players. But being able to get along with them and get the job done is a teamwork skill that employers want.
Skill 3: Have a high work ethic.
This might be a bit hard to come by since you’re a recent graduate, but 52.4% of employers are looking for work ethic. If you’re wondering what it is, it’s like when you’re in college. You have both in- and out-of-school classes. You have midterms and finals. You have personal homework, group work, and graduation research. If you’ve done this, you’ve learned how to work hard and succeed on your own. This is the way universities indirectly teach you work ethic (though they may not necessarily be intentional).
Skill 4: Quantitative analysis skills
This is a skill that will greatly help you in your career. Finding, evaluating, analyzing data to make decisions and solve problems all start with quantitative analysis. Therefore, more than 50.4% of employers want people with this skill. Think back to when you were a student. You had to use data analysis for many formulas that you had to memorize in the exam room, whether it was calculation or business analysis. You also had to collect a lot of data to analyze and classify whether it was usable or not. Research before graduation. If you can use it in your work, you will have a much better working skill than others.
Skill 5: Communication skills
This skill is not surprising because whether working or studying, communication is necessary and must always be done well. It can help increase value, but at the same time, it can also reduce your value. More than 50% of employers look for candidates who have excellent communication skills because communication skills cover all channels. You may share or receive information from others, participate in discussions, give presentations, send emails or documents that need to be sent both inside and outside the company. All of this is covered in communication.
Skill 6: Technical skills
50% of employers are looking for fresh graduates with technical skills or skills in using certain technologies, or have specific methods or techniques in that technology that are useful to the company, such as creating formulas in Excel, writing code in JavaScript, or optimizing conversion rates for online marketing campaigns.
Conclusion
As times change, eras change, it is fortunate for the new generation to grow up in an era where the work industry is adapting to the world more and more, relying on greater understanding. Because if we look back 10-20 years ago, it would be difficult not to be asked about our GPA when applying for a job or during a family dinner.
There are many heroes, legends, innovators, or exemplary figures from the past who have shown that their education is not an obstacle to their own development, does not hinder them from creating great things, or prevents them from being excellent. Therefore, when most employers change their mindset from GPA to the skills needed for real work, it opens up opportunities for both graduates and companies to have truly quality personnel to work with and can create work that drives the company forward.
If you are one of the graduates who have 6 top skills, proudly show them to the employer or interviewer. But showing off these skills may require a little finesse because we cannot write it out like a grade number. Start with what the company you are applying to is looking for. Highlight the skills that match the company in the resume. Take advantage of the internship or part-time job section. Tell about the experience that you think will be beneficial to the company. It does not have to be a paid job. You can list extracurricular activities or volunteer camps. Relate your education to your past work experience in the role you are applying for. And be ready to answer questions during the interview. Now you are a graduate with 6 top skills that employers want.
Reference:
Top 6 Skills Employers Are Looking for in Recent Grads in 2022
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