Skills & Qualities

Skills & Qualities — What Employers Look For?

Employers and further education or training providers value a mix of technical and personal skills. This page explains what skills and qualities are and offers examples you can use when writing CVs, completing applications, and preparing for interviews. 

We all have a unique set of skills and qualities, identifying your skills and qualities may seem difficult as we all have a tendency to underestimate our own value, but you must learn to identify, acknowledge and describe your skills and qualities both in writing and verbally. Many of our skills and qualities are transferable from one situation to another.

What are skills and qualities?

• Skills are abilities you have developed through learning, work, hobbies, volunteering or daily life, like communication, organisation and problem-solving.

• Qualities are the personal characteristics that help you to work well with others and cope with challenges. Employers look for both skills and qualities when they assess applications and interviews. 

Employers look for a combination of both when considering applicants. 

How this helps you:

When completing a CV or application form, employers often look for evidence of skills and qualities, not just statements. In interviews, you may be asked to give specific examples showing how you have used these skills in real life. Think about situations at school, in clubs, in volunteering or in part-time work where you’ve shown these qualities. 

 Examples of how you may have used some of your qualities.

Reliability

I am reliable and can be trusted to do what I am asked. For example, I complete homework on time, attend lessons and activities regularly, and follow instructions carefully. This shows that I can be depended on in a work or learning environment.

Resilience

I am resilient and able to cope with challenges. For example, when I find work difficult, I keep trying, ask for help and practise until I improve. This shows that I do not give up easily and can learn from mistakes.

Motivation

I am motivated and willing to put effort into tasks. For example, I try my best in lessons and take pride in completing work to a good standard. This shows that I am keen to learn and improve.

Confidence

I am developing confidence in my abilities. For example, I contribute to class discussions, share ideas during group work or present information to others, even when I feel nervous. This shows that I am willing to challenge myself.

Positive Attitude

I have a positive attitude towards learning and work. For example, I approach new tasks with enthusiasm and try to stay calm and focused when things are challenging. This shows that I am approachable and willing to learn.

Responsibility

I am responsible and take ownership of my actions. For example, I look after my belongings, complete tasks without constant reminders and accept responsibility if I make a mistake. This shows maturity and honesty.

Respect

I show respect towards others. For example, I listen when others are speaking, follow rules and treat people fairly and politely. This shows that I can work well with different people.

Adaptability

I am adaptable and able to cope with change. For example, if plans change or I am given a new task, I adjust quickly and try my best. This shows flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills.

Enthusiasm

I show enthusiasm for activities I am involved in. For example, I take part in lessons, clubs or events and show interest in what I am doing. This shows energy and commitment.

Honesty

I am honest and trustworthy. For example, I am truthful about my work and ask for help when I am unsure, rather than pretending I understand. This shows integrity and professionalism.

Transferable skills 

Many skills and competencies are transferable from one work situation to another and you will need to be able to both identify and sell these to prospective employers.

Transferable skills are the general abilities you develop that are useful across a range of different jobs and industries. They might be role-related, technical or general. If you know you don’t have a huge amount of experience, it’s still possible to bag your ideal job by identifying which of your skills are transferable and therefore valuable. Once you have identified them you need to emphasise them when you make applications.  

What are some of the key transferable skills?

As well as numeracy ICT and good communication skills, most employers will be looking for:

• Commitment and motivation

• Interpersonal skills: can you relate with others and form good working relationships?

• Self-awareness: knowing your strengths and weaknesses

• Management and leadership

• Decision-making ability

• Organisation, research and thinking ahead

Employers everywhere value these skills because they mean you can solve problems and satisfy customers. Good interpersonal skills and organisational ability are probably the most important abilities you can offer, along with high energy and the enthusiasm to work as a part of a team.

Don’t forget the essentials:

• Punctuality

• Good time management

• Attention to detail

• Ability and willingness to enlist help when necessary

• Willingness to accept responsibility

You can develop all of these in just about any role. If you’re just starting out in the job market, you can explain how you developed them during your education or as part of hobbies and activities. To get a better idea of the requirements employers are looking for, look at adverts for the sort of jobs you’re interested in. See what skills are mentioned: which do you have and which do you need to work on?

Helpful jobsite:

• https://www.gov.uk/jobsearch

• http://www.monster.co.uk/

• http://www.fish4.co.uk/