Finding a job in this economy can be hard, especially if you've lost one. Recent reports from corporate recruiters suggest companies tend to favor jobseekers who are currently employed over those who are out of work.
It's also a tough time to be looking for your first professional job. Many recent graduates have sacrificed and toiled for perfect grades, worked at internships to prepare for careers and filled their schedules with university affiliated clubs and activities.
The belief that these attributes will enhance a resume and impress an employer is widespread. But does it really reflect what employers seek in a new hire?
What employers want most
To answer this question, researchers at Oklahoma State University conducted a study of more than 450 college graduate employers. Examining not only what attributes employers look for but also the mechanisms with which employers measure these attributes, researchers were able to determine an attribute ranking system based on career path.
For example, the top three qualities employers value in the agribusiness industry are communication skills, critical thinking skills and writing skills.
Employers were asked which signals best illustrate the five attributes being tested. The most common replies were number crunching ability, character, communication skills, problem solving skills and ability to work well with others.
Seventeen signals were listed including grades, major, coursework and others. However, employers were to rate only five signals for every attribute.
Internships and majors
Overall, internships and majors related to the job were highly rated signals, as well as foreign language skills and interviewing skills. While excellent grades were not ranked as high as other skills and experiences, they are still important.
"Each student should strategically acquire accomplishments and qualifications which are both valued by employers and consistent with the student's preferences, goals and talents," said Bailey Norwood, one of the study's authors.
Norwood suggests students tailor their career choices to their personal strengths and aspirations. Grades, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, internships and awards speak for an individual as a whole. Also, Norwood advises that interview skills are an invaluable asset.
