Individuals who have freshly graduated from college are always eager to join the job market after fulfilling all their academic requirements. However, having excelled in all courses and having classroom knowledge does not mean a person is prepared to work in the real world. Specific skills are compulsory for an individual; everyone who intends to join the job market and make a mark there should cultivate these skills as soon as possible. In this article we shall see what job skills do college graduates need?
Skills necessary for the job market
There are different skills that a person must have these skills can either be self-taught by reading books and observing other people or learned skills by taking courses and assessments that certify the person. These skills can be broadly categorized into two groups
Hard skills
Hard skills are the skills that help you in tackling job-specific duties and responsibilities. These skills can be learned through courses, vocational training, and the job. Hard skills usually focus on tasks and processes, such as tools, equipment, or software. In today’s world, the knowledge of specific hard skills is a must-have. They are frequently what will help the individual during a job search and the recruitment process, and college graduates who do not possess these skills might be viewed as unprepared for the workforce by recruiters.
Hard skills include:
Computer skills
We live in a digital age it is necessary for everyone to have at least a basic knowledge of using computers and the internet. As technology continues to evolve, the skills needed in the workplace also continue to change, and anyone who is serious-minded about joining any workplace has to familiarize themselves with the technology being used in such a setting. computer skills include
1. Microsoft office (word, excel, PowerPoint, outlook, access, one note)
2. E-mail
3. Spreadsheets
4. Google drive
5. Database management
6. Graphics design
Analytical skills
These skills are those used in the gathering, analyzing, deciphering, and presenting of data. It is impossible to seriously be interested in joining the job market without having to some extent, data analysis skills. Recruiters are also more interested in people who possess these skills as they tend to fit better in the workplace. Analytical skills include
1. Research
2. Theorizing
3. Data presentation
4. Data mining
5. Resource management
6. Data Engineering
7. Data and metrics interpreting
8. Diagnostics
9. Reporting
Marketing Skills
Marketing skills are the skills used in the promotion and sales of any wide array of goods and services. They include the knowledge of advertising, sales, and market and consumer research. No industry or sector in the world does not utilize marketing or marketers in one form or another. Marketing skills are also continually changing in the social media age as people now focus on using social media platforms as a tool to reach more and more customers. Marketing skills include
1. Copywriting
2. E-mail marketing and automation
3. Paid ads, ad words
4. Google analytics and Google search optimization
5. Search engine optimization SEO and search engine marketing SEM
6. Content Creation
7. Storytelling
Soft skills
soft skills are core skills that are needed in the interpersonal relationship that is established in the workplace. Unlike hard skills, which might entice recruiters and help you in your quest to secure a job, soft skills are the skills that are going to help you in keeping the job and also speed line your career progression. Soft skills can also be referred to as ordinary skills necessary for every office/ workplace, sector, and industry. Your knowledge and usage of soft skills daily in your office would dictate how you relate with your co-workers, how much productivity can be attained, and eventually, how well the work you do will turn out. Your entire career can be propelled or derailed by your usage of soft skills. They include:
Communication skills
It is impossible to work with people without communicating with them. Clear, effective, and respectful communication is necessary for every workplace to breed cohesiveness and unity. The use of good communication skills helps us understand people and situations better. It helps us overcome diversities, build trust and respect, and create conditions for sharing creative ideas and solving problems. Communication skills are one of the most in-demand skills in the world. Examples of good communication skills include
A. Active Listening
B. Stress management
C. Emotion control
D. Non-verbal communication
E. Empathy
F. Clear speech
G. Trust building
H. Useful Feedback
Leadership skills
It is the ability not just to lead effectively but the ability to be flexible and change accordingly to the needed circumstances while carrying your team along. Leadership skills are essential to have in the workplace as they ensure that you can bring out the best in your coworkers. These skills are core skills and are very sought after in the workplace. Although you can take courses to build the skills, It is also necessary for the individual to do the introspection and self-work needed before they can ultimately claim to have good leadership skills. These skills cannot be faked, as bad leaders eventually bring forth bad products. Leadership skills include
A. People management
B. Change management
C. Strategic thinking
D. Persuasive skills
E. Effective Communication
F. Decision making
Teamwork
Being a team player is a skill that is highly sought after in every organization. No workplace is an island, and you would have to work with several people in different capacities to do the best work. Teamwork is not limited to on-site office work, as people who work remotely also need to have excellent teamwork skills and make sure they carry their team members along. Being a great team player is so important that recruiters and interviewers prioritize this during the recruitment process. Individuals are usually required to give past instances where they functioned as part of a team. Team players are usually focused on the success of their team and strive to promote team interest over individual interest. Excellent team player/teamwork skills include
A. Tolerance
B. Trust
C. Collaboration
D. Honesty
E. Responsibility
F. Empathy
G. Effective communication
Both soft and hard skills are essential, and college graduates have to make sure to develop them in preparation for the next step in their career.
