Qualifications are important but they are not enough on their own.  There are some specific skills and personal qualities that all employers are looking for when they are recruiting a new employee.

SKILLS

Skills can be continually developed and improved and it is always possible to learn new skills.

Communication

Whether it's dealing with a customer or sharing information with a work colleague, effective communication is very important. 

There are various different ways of  communicating at work:  answering the telephone, taking a message, writing an email or a letter, talking to a customer face to face, explaining how to carry out a work task to a colleague.

Have a look at the Waitrose Company Profile  to see how Lindsay Clifford uses communication skills in her working role.

Interpersonal Skills

Are you able to work well with other people?  It is important to be able to maintain good working relationships with your work colleagues even if you do not agree with their point of view.  You may also have to work with customers face to face; being friendly, helpful and polite gives a good impression of you and your organisation.

Teamworking

Working life is often about working with a group of people on a project. The team's strength comes from bringing together a mix of skills and expertise.  A football team is an example of good teamworking, the common aim being to win the match!

Good communication and interpersonal skills help make you a good team worker.

Problem Solving

At school or at home there is usually a teacher or parent who can help you work out what to do if things do not go to plan.

Working life is not always like this and there may be times when you have to work out a solution to a problem  and make a decision.  This may not seem easy at first but as you get more used to your job and work environment you will gain confidence in your problem solving skills.

Have a look at the Bericap Company Profile and read about Kevin's remit; problem solving is a very important aspect of his job.

QUALITIES

Qualities are very individual  and can vary from one person to another.  You may be a very good time keeper  whilst your friend is always late.

Employers are looking for  people who are:

Motivated:  committed to their job and the organisation they work for; determined to do well in everything they do.  Always ready to do/offer that little bit extra. Read about Jamie's role within the Barclays Company Profile.

Willing to learn: open to new ways of doing things, keeping up with change.  Open to the idea that they can still learn new skills and develop new areas of knowledge.  Read about Chris's role in the Bericap Company Profile.

Flexible and Adaptable: willing to listen to other people's suggestions and consider different view points.  Ready to try different ways of doing things.  These qualities are vital in a good team worker.

Self-disciplined:  able to manage themselves and their work.  Getting on with the job and  ensuring you do what you say you will within an agreed timescale are very important qualities in the work place.  What you do (or don't do) may have a big impact on the rest of the team.  Read about Chris in the Bericap Company Profile.

Skills and Qualities  are Transferable.  This means you can take them from one job to another and apply them in a new role or work situation.