Basic employability skills you can’t ignore

Alright, listen up job seekers and corporate climbers, it’s time to talk about employability skills. These are the not-so-secret ingredients that make you not just employable but irresistible to employers. If you’re not hip to this jive yet, buckle up. We’re diving deep into what these skills are, why they are important, and how to master them.

Before we delve into the hot topic, let’s make the meaning of “employability skills” clear. It’s one of those buzzwords that HR – sorry team mates – love to toss around, but what does it really mean?

In the simplest terms, employability skills are the set of abilities and attributes that make you not only employable but actually desired by employers and recruiters.

We could say they make you stand out in a pile of often-AI-scanned resumes – we talked here about AI & recruiting. They include a mix of soft skills (like communication and teamwork) and hard skills (like IT proficiency and project management). These are the skills that make you not just a qualified candidate, but a valuable resource in the workplace.

Let’s start with the basics, the foundational skills that every employer expects you to have. If you don’t have these, you might as well be trying to swim without knowing how to float. A pillar study¹ on the basic employability skills identified eight main dimensions:

• basic literacy and numeracy skills

• critical thinking skills

• management skills

• leadership skills

• interpersonal skills 

• information technology skills

• systems thinking skills

• work ethic disposition 

Leaving aside the first category, and bearing in mind that according to the latest data from ITU (International Telecommunication Union), the UN agency specializing in digital technology, the percentage of people with skills related to information/data technology lies between 33 and 69 percent for most countries, let’s delve into the other skills².

Whether you’re writing an email, presenting in a meeting, or chatting with a colleague, communication is key. You need to articulate your thoughts clearly and listen actively. Aaaand, unless you’re planning to work in a solitary confinement job (do those even exist?), you’ll need to work well with others. This means being able to compromise, resolve conflicts, share ideas, and support your teammates, creating a positive work environment. 

Some emotional intelligence it’s welcomed too.This means being empathetic, putting aside impulsiveness, and being able to manage one’s emotions, both toward customers – cheers to all front office positions – and toward colleagues.

The ability to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks is crucial. No one wants an employee who’s constantly scrambling to meet deadlines. Buuuut, keep also in mind that the business world is constantly changing, and so should you. Being adaptable means you can handle whatever is thrown your way.

It could sound like a broken record but being dynamic will save your career – and your mental health.

Being flexible also brings with it the famous ‘resilience’: being able to overcome any critical situation proactively and not succumb to the unexpected.

Even if you’re not applying for a managerial position, having leadership skills can set you apart. This includes being able to motivate others, delegate tasks, and take initiative. Leaders are proactive, not reactive! Taking initiative means identifying opportunities and potential problems before they become critical and keep well in mind employers want someone who can lead, not just follow along.

Employers love a good problem solver. If you can navigate tricky situations and come up with creative solutions, you’ll be a valuable asset to any team. Effective problem solving requires two complementary skills: critical and system thinking.

• Critical thinking is about making reasoned judgments that are logical and well-thought-out by analyzing facts, identifying biases, evaluating evidence, and questioning assumptions.
• System thinking is about understanding the big picture and seeing how individual elements interact and influence one another within the whole aim of predicting outcomes and understanding complex issues comprehensively.

They could seem diametrically opposed approaches, but they are two sides of the same coin: good problem solving skills.

Show up on time, meet your deadlines, be fair and honest – and nobody gets hurt. Professionalism and a strong work ethic go a long way in making a good impression and building a solid reputation. A good work ethic includes being committed to improve and strive to be better. In two words: practice (and not only preach) the continuous learning, whether it’s through formal education or self-directed learning.

Now that you know what employability skills are, let’s talk about why they’re so important. Why should you bother grinding these skills when you’ve already got a shiny degree and a stellar resume? There are two main reasons why basic employability skills are important and absolutely non-negotiable.

• Enhancing and future proof your career
  Employability skills aren’t just for getting hired; they’re also crucial for career progression. The job market is constantly evolving, and having strong employability skills can help you stay relevant. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or looking to switch industries, by continuously improving and adapting, you’ll be better prepared for the future.
• Improving job performance + satisfaction
  Employability skills are important because they enhance your ability to perform well in your role. These skills make you more efficient and productive, which in turn makes you a valuable asset to your employer. Moreover, typically when you have the right skills, you’re more likely to succeed in your role and feel fulfilled. This leads to higher job satisfaction and, ultimately, a happier work life. Who doesn’t want that?
  

But employable skills are not only important for you as a candidate, but also for those who hire you – that is exactly why they hire you. Here’s why a recruiter (like me) cannot compromise when it comes to general employability skills.

It’s not just about you, dear job seeker. Employability skills are important for employers too. And for several reasons.

1. Reduced training time and costs
   When you come equipped with the right skills, employers don’t have to spend as much time and money training you. This makes you a more cost-effective hire, which is always a plus.
2. Better team dynamics
   Employees with good interpersonal and teamwork skills contribute to a positive work environment, better collaboration, higher morale, and ultimately, greater productivity.
   
3. Higher retention rates
   Remember about job satisfaction? If you feel competent and valued, you’re more likely to stick around. This reduces turnover rates and the associated costs of recruiting and training new staff.
4. Increased innovation
   Employability skills like problem-solving and continuous learning drive innovation. Employees who can think creatively and adapt to new challenges help the company stay ahead of the competition.

All these things together enhance company reputation and make it more attractive to clients, customers, and future hire.

Alright, so now you’re convinced that employability skills are the real deal. But how do you go about developing them?

We could talk for hours about how school and university should provide these skills; the reality is that most of the time they have to be honed with experience.

As recruiters, we can say that the best employability skills are not taught in school but acquired in these ways.

• Seek feedback
  Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from colleagues and supervisors. Use it as a learning opportunity to identify areas for improvement.
• Volunteer
  Volunteering is a great way to build skills. Look for opportunities that allow you to practice teamwork, leadership, and other employability skills. Get out of your comfort zone and volunteer in areas that have little to do with your career. You will learn a lot.
  Nothing taught me problem solving like helping my uncle in his restaurant at lunchtime with 150 covers and only two waiters – one was me.
• Network – not only on LinkedIn
  Building a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights into industry trends. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and connect with industry leaders – this on LinkedIn.
• Reflect and self-assess
  Regularly take stock of your skills and progress. Reflect on your experiences, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for improvement. If you have time and creativity you can keep a journal, otherwise, you can simply schedule a personal check in once a month, perhaps when planning the month’s agenda.

Employability skills are your ticket to career success. They’re the secret ingredients that transform a good candidate into a great one. So, don’t just sit on them.

Take action, invest in your development, and get ready to uplevel your career.

In headcount we see plenty of incredible candidates – with impressive academic resumes – lacking in one or more basic skills that would make their careers much faster. Leading the way! And if you are a life science talent, check our job offers and thrive.