When a new recruit dips their toe into the job market, it's their soft and hard skills that should determine whether you’ll offer them a job.

 

A newbie recruit could be anyone who hasn’t had a job in the past - a school leaver, graduate or someone a little older.

Central YMCA (don't even think about those disco dance moves...) have been digging into what skills employers think those whippersnappers need to get ahead in today's job market.

Only 10% of the head honchos surveyed thought young people had all the skills they needed to be an 'efficient employee' when first starting out. But, over half said those young'uns were chomping at the bit to change that.

Rather than hammering tomorrow's workforce, YMCA reckon it's schools that need to up their game and put personal development on a par with technical skills.

After all, as YMCA chief exec Rosie Prescott says: "It’s your CV that gets you the interview, but it’s your personality, and life experience, that gets you the job."

So, what are those magic soft and hard skills?

Let's take a look at the some of the soft and hard skills managers are keeping an eye out for, and investigate why you should be craving them in your new recruits too.

Get with the programme!

57% of managers are after new recruits who are hungry to learn.

That makes perfect sense. It shows they've got pride in their work, want to improve things and have a natural curiosity about life.

It's also the only way they'll shift gears from school to a full-time job, and says a lot about whether they've got what it takes to be moulded by your company.

Be a bookworm

47% are on the lookout for the lesser-spotted bookworm.

Being well read means they're probably gonna be open to new ideas and aware of the world outside their door.

Soaking up book after book (or, today, blog after blog) gives them a huge well of info that they can cross-reference to bring in skills and perspectives you might not even know they had!

You need a hobby...

43% want new recruits who're dedicated to a hobby.

Everyone has a life outside work. But, a hobby shows they've got broad interests and are willing to put time and effort into something they love.

You don't have to hire a Hornby train set nut. Just think about all the transferable skills someone who's on a sports team would bring; dedication, teamwork, communication and more.

Give a little back

34% are keeping their eyes peeled for new recruits who've done charity or community work.

Helping others who're less fortunate shows they think about things bigger than themselves and their own interests.

These are the candidates most likely to go the extra mile for your company. And, they'll probably be a friendly, generous addition to your workplace.

Go off globetrotting

33% want someone who's seen the world.

As the saying goes; "Travel expands the mind". New recruits who’ve taken the plunge will have left their comfort zone and experienced other cultures.

This means they'll have probably picked up some people skills – and, be more likely to be able to get on with different types of people across the company. It might even mean they understand there can be different routes to the same conclusion.

So, next time you're looking for a new recruit, put these soft and hard skills top of your list!

 

 

 

This entry was posted in Recruitment, Tools & Tips