Graduates.... is a degree enough for employers?

There was a time when ‘being a graduate’ was enough to make you standout from the crowd – having a degree was something not achieved by many.

Occupations are changing, a degree still holds a very high currency with employers but expectations are higher and the breadth of graduate opportunities demand much more than simply acquisition of skills and knowledge.  The world of work is a very different place in 2012.  Graduates looking for the top jobs need to understand that employers are looking for potential leaders and managers who can adapt to the changing markets and have the personal confidence to rise to every day challenges and new innovative ways of working.  Attitude is everything and despite the huge increase in online activity, real business is still personal – people do business with people they like and trust so the old fashioned values like honesty and integrity still matter hugely.

To stand out from the crowd today’s graduates need to be able to demonstrate a dynamic approach with pace and energy.  Business is looking for key people who can make a real difference with the resilience to pursue their own goals and commitment to the goals of the organisation.

Evidence of work experience, voluntary work and interests that show a well rounded individual hungry and enthusiastic to experience life and participate in all it has to offer will enhance a graduates CV and encourage a potential employer to accept them for interview.  Preparation for interviews is absolutely key, researching and understanding the organisation, practicing interview techniques and potential responses to questions.  Interviews can take several forms including Assessment Days, competency based or strength based interviews.  Establishing what interview style is going to be used is certainly useful to know in advance.  Preparation = confidence and is time well invested to ensure success.