Get Hired: Four Ways to Prove Your Employability

Go to school; get a job. Like many students, you may have been taught to expect that doing the former will ensure the latter. But many recent grads are struggling in their search for an entry point to their career.
The reason why?
Employers don’t think they’re ready. In a survey conducted by Bryant & Stratton College and Wakefield Research, 80 percent of 18-34 year olds said they believed they were job-ready and possessed all the skills, experience, and education needed to advance in their desired career path or obtain their next job. But a study by McKinsey & Company found that almost 40 percent of employers looking to hire new employees had openings for six months or more. These employers claim that they are unable to fill positions due to the lack of skills, qualifications, and training in entry-level applicants.
What’s the problem? Young job applicants can’t find jobs they are qualified for; employers can’t find job applicants who fit their requirements. This problem is often referred to as “the skills gap,” and at the answer is changing how students talk about their qualifications.
How can you boost your employability? A strong academic performance alone will not earn you a job. There are many skills and abilities you need to develop to become a desirable job applicant:
1. Hone your soft skills: Employers are looking for people that are able to think critically, communicate, work well in team situations and be a problem solver. Look for times during class assignments to work on these skills and ask for feedback from instructors so you can continue to improve.
2. Get real-world experience: Doing an internship, job shadowing and volunteering are all great ways to gain experience outside of the classroom. You can surface many of these opportunities on your own, or with the help of your advisor, instructors, and the Career Center
3. Take advantage of school-based resources:
A lot of colleges are working on ways to help students naturally close the skills gap. If you are a Bryant & Stratton College student then our Career LifePrep program is helping you – even if you don’t know it! Career LifePrep combines course content across the College with real-world activities and workplace competencies to help students develop relevant skills. Keep an eye out for it in action next time you are in class. If you’re not a Bryant & Stratton College student and want to know if your school or the school you’re considering has a similar resource, here are some helpful questions to ask:
  • Do they integrate career-readiness into coursework every step of the way?
  • Do they partner with industry experts to keep their curricula up-to-date with current employment needs?
  • Do they offer programs that help you gain workplace experience throughout your education?
4. Flaunt it: It’s important not only to develop employability skills, but to prove yourself in an interview. Don’t just highlight your accomplishments – provide context on how they’ve given you the experience and ability to succeed in the workplace. Employers want to know how you will fit into their company, that you are able to learn quickly, and that you’re ready to go to work. Entering the job market may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll be on your way to a new career in no time.