New college graduates with good communication skills have an advantage over their competitors in the job market,
according to a study published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Employers responding to NACE's Job Outlook 2005 survey were asked to rate the importance of a variety of skills
and qualities. Communication skills, as well as honesty/integrity, earned the highest ratings.
Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director, notes that candidates have "two key opportunities to demonstrate
to employers that they have good communication skills -- on their resume and in the interview." says Mackes.
"Ironically, when we asked employers what skill was most lacking in college job candidates, good communication
skills also topped the list."
That's not to say that good communication skills and honesty/integrity are the only skills and qualities
that employers see as important. In fact, "employers have a pretty extensive list of skills and qualities
they look for in job candidates, including good interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, and
teamwork skills," says Mackes.
And that's assuming the candidate meets the employer's basic criteria for job candidates, such as the requisite
degree, experience, or GPA.
A candidate's work experience is also important to employers. According to Mackes, many employers look
to hire new college graduates who have "relevant" work experience, gained through an internship or
cooperative education experience, but even unrelated work experience can help a candidate stand out.
"Employers are looking for evidence that a candidate has the skills, qualities, and abilities they believe
are important to workplace success, and work experience -- even if it's not directly related to the job at
hand -- can provide that evidence," explains Mackes.
Read the full press release.
Ninety-four percent of entry-level job-seekers would be willing to relocate for the right opportunity, says
a survey by CollegeGrad.com.
Along with the increased willingness of recent grads to relocate comes an increased level of competition
for open positions. Student job-seekers no longer compete only against peer graduates, or graduates from other
nearby schools. Instead, they now compete against graduates in a national and even international arena.
Of those respondents willing to relocate, almost 24 percent would be willing to relocate only within their
local or statewide area, while 40.4 percent would relocate nationally, and 35.7 percent would be
willing to relocate internationally.
New grads and other may be interested in what Fast Company magazine predicts will be among
the fastest-growing jobs for 2005:
- Personal finance adviser
- Medical scientist
- Computer software engineer
- Chiropractor
- Environmental engineer
- Biochemist and biophysicist
- Sales manager
- Epidemiologist
- Computer system analyst
- Athlete
- Agent and business manager for artists, performers, and athletes
- Marketing manager
- Producer and director
- Actor
- Lawyer
- Advertising and promotions manager
- Management analyst
- Postsecondary education administrator
- Financial manager
- Actuary
- Airline pilot, copilot, and flight engineer
- Geoscientist
- Market research analyst
- Securities sales agent
- Medical and health services manager
Find out more here.
Time for our annual pre-April-15 reminder that job-seekers, according to CareerJournal.com,
may be eligible to itemize the following expenses on their tax returns:
- travel expenses
- employment-agency fees
- resume-preparation fees
- career-counseling expenses
- the cost of advertising your services
- newspapers and other periodicals purchased for their help-wanted ads
- legal fees paid to an attorney to review an employment contract
Complete story here.
Review all our Quick and Quintessential Career & Job Tips.
