7 Qualities Employers Value

Hello Parents and Teachers ??

As our young adults prepare to step into the world of work, let’s dive into the qualities employers are really looking for.

Guess what they are not?!… It’s not subjects and qualifications! I feel like this is a myth that’s been parroted since I was in school. It’s the uni’s and further education providers that require certain grades and subjects to align with a course to study.

Not employers!

To be honest, I cannot remember more than one employer ever telling me they are looking for school leavers with a certain subject. Admiral wanted someone good at math… ‘We need to get hold of a student who is good at math before they go off to uni for 3 years’. Another business leader said she’d take a school leaver who understood Google AdWords over any grade, subject, qualification, or degree.

Anyway, I digress (which happens a lot ??♀?)…

Why Employers Focus on Qualities Over Grades

Employers understand that school leavers won’t have a great deal of experience or technical skills yet. They know that grades and qualifications are just one part of a much bigger picture. What really matters to them is their potential and the ability to fit in with the work environment. They need individuals who can bring qualities to their team, adapt to new challenges, and contribute positively to the workplace culture.

7 Qualities Employers Value

This is why personal qualities often take precedence over academic achievements, and I’ve thrown in some context too.

Help your school leavers to stand out from their peers and have a softer landing in their future workplace:

1. Reliable

Employers need dependable individuals who can bounce back from setbacks without giving up. Reliability is key. For example, a reliable employee consistently meets deadlines and shows up on time, demonstrating that they can be trusted with important tasks.

?? There’s a very real issue with Gen Z not turning up on time, we’ve seen it in the workplace and in colleges, it’s growing this perception that Gen Z have no time management skills. I’ve been in a Welsh college recently where we’ve started our workshops at 9:15 and students are still walking in at regular intervals up to 10am, with no acknowledgement, and no repercussions from the tutors. Several business leaders were in the rooms, and we were like ‘wow... this can’t happen, it’s setting them up to fail in the ‘real world’’ and I urge you to stress the importance or good time keeping.

2. Enthusiastic

A positive attitude and motivation are essential. Employers appreciate energy and enthusiasm in the workplace. An enthusiastic employee brings a can-do spirit to their role, inspiring others and creating a positive work environment.

?? I was at Cardiff Uni recently reiterating this and put it simply as ‘Don’t be a d!ck’. I think they remember it better that way ??. ?Nobody wants to spend time with a low-energy mood-hoover negative nelly.

3. Self-Motivated

Taking initiative and completing tasks without constant supervision shows self-motivation. Independence is highly valued. For instance, a self-motivated employee might identify a problem and take steps to solve it without being asked, showing their proactive nature.

4. Honest

Integrity and strong moral principles build trust. Honesty is crucial for credibility with employers and colleagues. An honest employee admits mistakes and takes responsibility for their actions, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.

5. Resilient

Flexibility and adaptability to new situations are essential. Employers look for individuals who can handle change and stay resilient. A resilient employee can adapt to new roles or unexpected challenges, maintaining their performance under pressure.

?? Covid showed us that in the most extreme that everything can change almost overnight. In the day to day running of a business, particularly small one’s (which is most businesses in Wales), the effects of changes can be felt throughout the team. From deadlines moving, to events cancelled, to weather warnings, to people off sick, to tech problems to… you name it. We’ve got to crack on and get the work done.

6. Collaborative

Working well with others and being a team player is a must. Effective communication and support are key. A collaborative employee actively listens to colleagues, shares ideas, and works together to achieve common goals.

?? Remote working has moved the needle on collaboration and team work quite significantly; being adaptable to both online and in person collaboration can be quite the challenge for those entering the workplace for the first time. It’s a double skill set they need execute where us older generations have had year to adapt form one to the other.

7. Emotionally Intelligent

Understanding and managing emotions enhances interpersonal skills. Emotional intelligence is vital for workplace relationships. An emotionally intelligent employee can navigate social complexities, manage conflicts, and build strong relationships with colleagues.

?? It’s interesting to see the ‘covid’ generation deal with anxieties and stresses of the workplace and it’s demands. I’m not qualified to speak to this, and you will know better than me. But I believe we are still to see the effects of this on mass, and it will be a few years yet before we really understand the damage or ‘rewiring’ it had on their emotional development, as that transition age group start entering the workforce. It’s one for us all to keep an eye on and support where we can.

So, what can we do?

By developing and showcasing these traits, school leavers can make a strong impression on potential employers. Encourage young adults to engage in activities that help them grow these areas, whether through volunteering, sports participation, part-time jobs, working on the family business or even participating in online courses.

Thanks for reading, and let’s keep the conversation going. If I can be of any more help, let me know.

You've got this ????

Gem Hallett,

miFuture Founder miFuture.co.uk | @miFutureHQ