What recruiters are looking for: a mastery of soft and hard skills, digital literacy, adaptability and a global mindset, in preparation for the future workplace
Postgraduate students need more than just academic qualifications to thrive in the rapidly changing job market and evolving work environment
As society and technology evolve at an increasingly rapid pace, employers and recruiters respond to changing trends by adding to or updating the list of attributes they look for in candidates. In particular, those looking for jobs after recently attaining a postgraduate degree are expected to have the most up-to-date proficiencies.
Postgraduates will need to develop a specific set of abilities to maximise their employability in the coming years. But what exactly are these, and how different are they from the skills employers have looked for in the past?
Whether in Hong Kong or internationally, most employers will expect postgraduates to have a set of basic competencies. Many of these are generally applicable across many roles and companies, and while these skills do not change in themselves, how they’re used may evolve slightly over time.
Some attributes that will always be in demand are “soft skills” such as effective communication, both verbally and in writing; an ability to work collaboratively and foster a positive work environment; critical thinking and analytical skills; a problem-solving mindset that prioritises creativity; and the capability to lead with emotional intelligence.
In many cases, employers also look for candidates who can anticipate a business’ or client’s needs. In terms of practical abilities, this may include an understanding of a particular business environment or industry trends, networking, sales and marketing skills, and a willingness to listen to and help customers.
Of course, all of this must be paired with specific “hard skills” that will allow postgraduates to thrive in a role and contribute to their employers’ success. These can include strong financial literacy, a proficiency in executing and presenting research, and effective project management.
However, along with all of the above, employers are now looking to recruit postgraduates who will thrive in the workplace of the future. With the move towards flexible work arrangements in recent years, more recruiters are looking for candidates who can take on hybrid or remote roles successfully. Beyond mastering the basic technologies that allow teams to work together from different locations – such as Zoom for calls, Slack for instant messaging and Trello for project management – postgraduates applying for jobs may need to adequately cultivate adaptability, flexibility and resilience to show that they can effectively respond to any situation, whether they’re working in an office or from home. In this context, more specific skills, such as good time management, an independent work ethic and a high level of motivation, are also becoming increasingly important.
