Employability Skills

Top Tips

Before attempting a CV or completing an application form, start by doing a self-review and create a short profile of your skills and achievements.

Key employability (or transferable) skills: self-management, interpersonal/people skills, written and verbal communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, giving presentations, IT/computer literacy, numeracy, time management, working under pressure, adaptable, commercial awareness.

These might have been developed as part of your course (eg working in project teams and learning to give presentations), through work placements, casual paid work, unpaid voluntary work, clubs and interest groups.

Be positive and promote in terms of successful achievement, giving examples with some detail. Use the STAR formula: outline the situation; what was the task required; explain your action; what was the result. Use 'active verbs' or 'power words' such as: achieved, presented, organised, managed, resolved, delegated, co-ordinated, provided, demonstrated, delivered.

Identify which skills are essential or desirable for the occupation of your choice (eg from job adverts) and then select those matching from your skills profile.

Use the links below for further information and help.