Congratulations! You are a graduate now! However, it is only the start of your professional journey. Having a degree is no longer enough to find a position that you desire. You must have earned this degree with a lot of effort, where sometimes you might have had to ask a professional to do my dissertation to balance the tasks, but it is not enough. Employers are looking for graduates who can bring more to the table.
Picking the right college degree in the UK is a very big decision (thedissertationhelp.uk, 2024,), but picking the right skills is also important. Candidates with a mix of technical expertise and interpersonal strengths that fit the modern workplace are prioritised. The right set of skills can make all the difference between getting shortlisted and being overlooked. Being a student, you get professional help in the form of a PhD dissertation writing service; similarly, you can get expert assistance to instil a new set of skills in yourself. The following post also provides guidance about the kind of skills preferred by employers and how to develop them.
Top Hard Skills Employers Look For In Graduates
Employers now look beyond the grades. Obviously, a degree is important, but it is not enough. Hard skills are in-demand graduate skills employers expect in new hires. These are the skills that evaluate your technical ability or the job-specific knowledge you have regarding the given job. These are often learned through coursework, internships, or certification programs and are easily measured or tested. Employers use these to determine whether a candidate can handle the basic functions of a role.
The demand for hard skills is higher than ever, especially due to digital transformation across different industries. Employers want graduates who are comfortable using tools, analysing data, and adapting to new technologies, no matter whether you are a marketing student or an engineering one. The following hard skills are among the most preferred skills are:
Data Literacy
Data plays a key role in making decisions in every industry. Being able to understand and interpret data is essential.
How to develop it?
- Take free or paid online courses on data analysis tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or Python.
- Practice reading graphs, charts, and reports from reputable sources.
- Complete small data projects or case studies using publicly available datasets.
Digital Literacy
Employers expect graduates to understand how to use digital tools, manage online platforms, and stay safe online.
How to develop it?
- Learn essential tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and cloud storage systems.
- Understand the basics of cybersecurity and online privacy.
- Stay updated with digital trends through blogs, tech news, and tutorials.
Project Management
Knowing how to plan, organise, and execute tasks is a core workplace skill, especially for leadership or collaborative roles.
How to develop it?
- Use planning tools like Trello, Notion, or Asana for managing study or personal tasks.
- Learn the basics of Agile or Scrum methodologies through beginner guides.
- Practice managing larger goals by breaking them into steps with deadlines.
Writing & Communication Tools
Clear writing is vital, ranging from emails to presentations. Employers value those who can convey messages professionally and efficiently.
How to develop it?
- Use writing tools like Grammarly to improve your grammar and tone.
- Practice writing summaries, reports, or LinkedIn posts regularly.
- Read guides on business writing and communication styles.
Basic Financial Literacy
Even for non-financial roles, understanding money matters gives you an edge, especially in budgeting or decision-making.
How to develop it?
- Learn how to read financial statements and basic budgeting principles.
- Use tools to track personal expenses and understand financial habits.
- Take beginner finance courses or read introductory finance books.
Top Soft Skills Employers Look For In Graduates
There is another set of essential workplace skills every student should develop, these skills are known as soft skills. Soft skills are your personal attributes; how you think, behave, and interact with others. It is the hard skills that get you inside a company, but it is the soft skills that help you stay and excel. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report, 92% of hiring professionals say soft skills are just as important, if not more so, than hard skills.
Firms value more aspects related to personality and other personal qualities of young graduates (Velasco, 2012,). Employers want graduates who can adapt, lead, and work well with diverse teams. These skills are not taught in textbooks but can be developed with intention. Below are key soft skills along with the steps to develop them:
Communication Skills
Clear and respectful communication builds trust, improves teamwork, and prevents misunderstandings.
How to develop it?
- Practice active listening; give full attention and respond thoughtfully.
- Record yourself explaining a topic in simple terms.
- Join clubs or discussion groups to express ideas confidently.
Critical Thinking
Employers value people who don’t just follow instructions but think logically, analyse situations, and make smart choices.
How to develop it?
- Ask “why” and “what if” questions when learning something new.
- Break down problems into smaller parts before acting.
- Read opinion columns or debates to see how arguments are formed.
Adaptability
Workplaces change quickly. Being flexible and open to new ways of working makes you a valuable team member.
How to develop it?
- Try learning something outside your comfort zone.
- Take on new responsibilities, even if they are unfamiliar.
- Reflect on past situations where you handled change well.
Emotional Intelligence
Understanding your and others’ emotions helps you manage conflict, lead with empathy, plus build strong relationships.
How to develop it?
- Reflect on your reactions in stressful situations.
- Learn to identify others’ emotions through body language or tone.
- Practice empathy by listening without judgment.
Time Management
Being able to meet deadlines, prioritise tasks, and stay organised is a skill every employer appreciates.
How to develop it?
- Use time-blocking methods to schedule daily tasks.
- Identify your most productive hours and work during them.
- Avoid multitasking; rather, focus on one task at a time for better results.
Conclusion
Employers are not just hiring degrees; they are hiring potential, mindset, and readiness. The most successful graduates are those who understand that learning does not end after university. They actively build both hard and soft skills that match the pace of modern work environments. Each step you take today adds real value to your professional future. Focus on continuous growth, stay open to feedback, and keep developing the skills that make you not just employable, but irreplaceable.