Tips for Graduates to Stand Out to Potential Employers

Every year, countless graduates enter the job market, armed with qualifications but struggling to find employment. The challenge lies in the fact that employers are looking for candidates who truly stand out, and having a degree is no longer sufficient to secure a job.

With competition fiercer than ever, job seekers must present themselves as well-rounded candidates. This means showcasing the additional skills that differentiate them from others in the field.

Nola Payne, Head of Faculty for Information Technology at The Independent Institute of Education, emphasizes that employers seek individuals who excel in teamwork, communication, flexibility, and accountability. Such candidates are more likely to evolve into valuable employees who can manage their workload effectively. By combining these soft skills with the technical expertise gained through their education, graduates can pave the way for a successful career and contribute meaningfully to their organizations.

However, Payne notes that many graduates and job seekers often lack these essential soft skills, primarily because society tends to undervalue them. In schools and higher education institutions, the focus is heavily placed on academic qualifications, often at the expense of developing well-rounded individuals. While some teamwork and interaction occur in academic settings, mistakes in these areas frequently go unaddressed, leaving students without guidance on how to improve and apply these skills in various situations.

Payne argues for a greater emphasis on holistic student development within educational institutions. She advocates for incorporating soft skills into assessments, ensuring these attributes are recognized and valued.

For graduates still seeking employment, Payne recommends several strategies:

Polish Your Online Presence: Before applying for jobs, make sure to clean up your online profiles. Many employers conduct digital searches, and your online image might be hindering your chances of receiving callbacks.

Enhance Communication Skills: Learn how to engage with diverse individuals. South Africa offers numerous opportunities to practice these skills—get out there, meet new people, and work on your listening and conversational abilities. Being flexible and considerate will help you understand how others perceive your actions and words.

Prioritize Punctuality: Cultivate the habit of being on time for appointments, whether personal or professional. Reliability is essential and should become second nature.

Develop Team Interaction Skills: While teamwork can be challenging, you can practice communication and problem-solving through interactive activities, like board games such as Pictionary.

Showcase Soft Skills in Interviews: Highlight your soft skills not only through your words but also through your engagement during interviews. If you recognize that soft skills are important to employers, you’ll be better equipped to develop and display them on your resume and during interviews.

Reframe Negative Traits: When discussing areas for improvement, turn negatives into positives. For instance, if a job requires long hours, you might say, “I tend to obsess over completing tasks and find it hard to relax until I’ve done so.” This not only addresses a potential concern but also frames it positively in the context of the job.

When consistently practiced, soft skills become ingrained habits. They reflect high emotional intelligence and can significantly enhance both personal and professional success. They also foster collaboration and motivation within teams, benefiting the entire organization. Always strive for professionalism and politeness in your interactions, contribute to your team, and meet deadlines to solidify your reputation as a reliable and effective team member.