What Employers Are looking for: A comprehensive Guide?
Employers look for candidates with a combination of education, employability skills, and relevant experience in today's competitive job market. With work in Australia becoming increasingly skilled, around 90% of new jobs are projected to require either a Vocational Education and Training (VET) or university qualification. As a result, it's critical to adjust your skills to meet the demands of the position.
Employability Skills:
Employers highly value work ready skills, such as a strong work ethic, punctuality, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team. These personal attributes are crucial for fitting into the company culture. Key employability skills include resilience, reliability, motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude. Highlighting these skills in your job application can significantly enhance your chances of success.
The top skills sought by employers include teamwork, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and creativity and initiative.
Experience:
All jobs provide valuable experience and opportunities to build relevant skills. Workplace experience not only gives you a foot in the door but also helps you understand different work environments and expectations. You can gain valuable experience through various avenues like work placements, part-time jobs, internships, and volunteering.
Education and Training:
Today’s job market is very competitive, and education is essential to stay competitive. Employers value higher-level qualifications over multiple lower-level certificates. However, it is crucial to focus on acquiring relevant qualifications rather than pursuing learning aimlessly.
Persistence and Adaptability:
Finding a job may take time, and you may face rejection along the way. It's essential to persevere and consider alternative options such as different locations, contract or casual work, and tapping into your networks. Each application and interview experience provides valuable insights that can improve your job search strategy.
Don't be afraid to seek feedback from employers if you're unsuccessful in securing a position. Understanding why you weren't selected can help you refine your approach and increase your chances of success in future applications.