Employability - qualities employers look for

For career planning assistance, book a time to talk to a Careers Counsellor.

Research the qualities that employers seek, and plan to develop these during your university years. Employers will expect that you have developed specific expertise during your degree. In addition to this they will be looking for a range of personal qualities - these are what will set you apart from others and help you to win your choice of jobs. To develop your personal qualities, you may need to consider becoming involved in university clubs, sports, vacation work or work experience, volunteer work or community activities.

Results from a recent national survey of employers who recruit graduates from the University of Newcastle show:

Qualities that employers look for in University graduates:
(Source: Survey of Employer Expectations and Satisfaction 2001)

  • Self-confidence
  • A willingness to learn
  • Understanding of self
  • Good self esteem
  • The ability to be creative
  • Skills to find and assess information
  • The ability to solve problems
  • Oral communication skills
  • Written communication skills
  • Academic rigour
  • A multi-disciplinary perspective
  • An awareness of ethical issues
  • Desire to continue learning
  • Teamwork skills
  • Skills to implement change
  • The skills to plan own work
  • Flexibility, adaptability
  • Conceptual and analytical skills
  • Independent judgement
  • Assertiveness
  • Ambition, a desire to improve self
  • A willingness to accept directions, motivation to work, a positive attitude
  • Reliability, interpersonal skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Organisational, time management skills
  • Understanding of research methodology
  • Negotiation skills, computer technology skills, international awareness
  • International experience
  • Functional/technical skills