What essential skills do you need to get your first job?

You’re ready to find your first job, but where do you start?

When you’re looking for your first job, there are a lot of things you need to think about. You might be worried that you don’t have enough experience, or that you don’t have the right degree.

Before you can even apply for a position, you need to make sure that you’re ready for the job search. That means taking some time to prepare yourself for what lies ahead—and that includes learning about all of the skills young candidates need to find a job. 

But did you know that some of the most important things you can do to help yourself get hired are actually pretty simple?

1. Creativity

Being creative is something that all companies look for. Employers want candidates that can find innovative solutions to problems.

This allows you to be able to complete tasks and increase your efficiency and productivity.

2. Problem solving

You have to be able to resolve problems and find solutions to obstacles as they arise. Identify problems, look for possible solutions and try to prevent them from happening again. This is a key skill that company’s look for in every candidate.

3. Teamwork

Working in groups is almost inevitable at any organization, so it’s important to be a team player. This allows a team to be more productive and it creates a better working culture.

It allows you to share ideas and opinions, brainstorm and build stronger bonds.

4. Work ethic

An employer’s ideal candidate is someone who is focused, organized, and has good time management skills.

Completing objectives, working to reach or exceed goals and even being respectful and honest are all values and skills that a potential hire has.

5. Initiative

Being able to do things without having to be told, doing the research, and following through with it helps companies immensely. Many organizations become complacent and the employees don’t try to come with ideas to improve the company. 

Seizing the opportunity to be innovative rather than just letting the idea fly by can be a skill that will make you stand out from the crowd.

6. Flexibility

Are you able to react and adapt to a new situation that wasn’t planned? Having the ability to think quickly and change depending on what’s going on is a crucial skill for employees in any industry to have.

You never know what might come up. You may be given a task to cover for someone else that you weren’t expecting. 

Show employers that you can be counted on and that you’re reliable even in tricky situations.

7. Positivity

If you’re someone who is always negative, you won’t be very helpful at work. Having a positive attitude makes you more approachable and optimistic.

This improves your ability to work in teams and be self-motivated. It also adds to the overall culture of a company and helps avoid a toxic work culture.

8. Analytical

If you can analyze information and facts to make a decision, it means you’re a critical thinker. This skill can help you find a job as it means you can solve issues and make decisions that improve the company and help it grow. 

💡 Do you know what an ATS is? It is a software that filters CVs before they reach recruiters. Is your CV optimized to make it through this system? Find out how to improve your CV and land a job interview. Read more here →