Top 5 Employability Skills

When recruiting, employers are not just looking for the specific skills needed for the role, but also general job skills. These are known as employability skills. Employability skills are transferable skills which enable you to succeed and stand out in the workplace.

Most employers are particularly interested in these skills which may have been developed through academic study, work experience and extra-curricular activities. Employability skills may not be job-specific, but they do play a big role in improving your performance and value in the workplace.

In this blog, we explain some of the most important employability skills which are needed to increase the chances of progressing in your career.

Some of the main employability skills needed to be successful in most jobs include:

  • Communication

  • Teamwork

  • Problem solving

  • Adaptability

  • Interpersonal skills

Communication

Communication is one of the most important skills in any career. It allows you to understand your colleagues, and vice versa. Communication skills also include non-verbal communication, such as:

  • Body language

  • Active listening

  • Confidence

  • Empathy

  • Respect

Teamwork

Good teamwork skills allow you to work harmoniously with your work colleagues. To become a successful team player, you need to be able to take responsibility for your own share of work, be comfortable working with others and contribute effectively to any team goals.

Having good teamwork skills enables you to:

  • Make others feel welcome and valued

  • Support members of your team

  • Work towards a common goal

Problem solving

When faced with a difficulty or setback, problem solving skills allow you to find solutions by thinking on your feet, adapting and taking intuitive. Problem solving is always a skill employers are looking for as unexpected problems always arise and they need employees who can tackle them head-on.

Adaptability

Being able to adjust to changes or new conditions is known as adaptability. This is something everyone has been through recently due to Covid-19. Flexibility is very important in every workplace. If a team is unable to adapt to changes, this could cause huge problems.

Adaptability also includes skills such as:

  • Decision making

  • Time management

  • Creativity

  • Receptiveness

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills enable you to interact positively with others, express recognition, listen and resolve disputes if required. Those with good interpersonal skills are more likely to build better working relationships.

Some examples of interpersonal skills are:

  • Empathy

  • Negotiation

  • Conflict management

  • Positive attitude

  • Listening

LSPKatie Walker