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Employability

What is employability?

The joint CBI and Universities UK report (2009) “Future Fit: Preparing Graduates for the World of Work”, employability skills are defined as:

“A set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all labour market participants should possess to ensure they have the capability of being effective in the workplace – to the benefit of themselves, their employer, and the wider economy”.

Academic skills: include specialist knowledge, ability to apply knowledge, logical thinking, critical analysis, problem-solving, written and spoken communication, ability to use numerical data, computer literacy and research skills.
Personal Development Skills: include self-confidence, self-discipline, self-reliance, awareness of strengths and weaknesses, creativity, independence, knowledge of international affairs, desire to go on learning, ability to reflect, reliability, integrity, honesty and regard for others.
Enterprise or business skills: include entrepreneurial skills, ability to prioritise tasks, time management, interpersonal skills, presentational skills, ability to work in teams and leadership skills, commercial awareness, flexibility, innovation, independence and risk-taking.

So what does employability mean for you?

Employability is about much more than just getting your first job – it’s about having a positive self image and presenting yourself successfully, both as a new graduate and throughout your life.

Your skills, knowledge and personal attributes and the ability to convey them effectively all contribute to your employability as do your personal circumstances and labour market conditions.

You probably already know that you need to get good results, complete some work experience and improve your skills in order to get a good job.

Last updated 09/02/2012