Most schools may have done a great job of preparing students academically, but when it comes to employability skills, they often fall short. Employability skills, sometimes called “soft skills,” are those abilities that enable you to interact effectively with others and be successful in the workplace.
While your kids’ IQ may get them hired, it’s their EQ (emotional intelligence) that will help them succeed. That’s because employers are looking for more than just technical skills and knowledge. They want employees who can communicate well, take initiative, solve problems, work as part of a team, and manage their emotions.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the employment skills that employers are looking for, as well as why employability skills are so important for college-bound students.
What Is Employability?
Employability is the measure of how likely you are to find employment and keep a job. It encompasses a wide range of skills and qualities that employers value. This includes both hard skills (technical skills or job-specific knowledge) and soft skills (personal qualities or interpersonal skills).
Some examples of hard skills include:
- Computer programming
- Accounting
- Medical coding
- Welding
- Chemistry
Examples of soft skills include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
10 Employability Skills To Equip Your Kids For Success
Here are 10 employability skills that every student should develop before they enter the workforce:
1. Good Communication
The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most important employability skills. This means being able to express yourself clearly and concisely, both in writing and in person. Employers want employees who can communicate their ideas, thoughts, and instructions effectively.
2. Motivation and Initiative
Employers want to see that your kids have a strong work ethic and that they’re motivated to do their best. They also want to see that they’re able to take initiative and get things done without being told.
3. Leadership
Leadership skills are always in demand, no matter what industry you’re in. Employers want to see that your kids have the ability to take charge when needed and inspire others to work together towards a common goal.
4. Reliability/Dependability
Employers need to know that they can rely on their employees to show up on time and do the job that they’re supposed to do. They want employees who are dependable and who can be counted on to get the job done.
5. Following Instructions
The ability to follow instructions is a very important employability skill. Employers want to see that your kids can listen and understand what they’re being asked to do and then do it.
6. Team Work
Regardless of the industry, employers want employees who can work well with others. They want employees who are team players and who are willing to pitch in and help out when needed.
7. Patience
Patience is an important employability skill, especially when it comes to dealing with difficult customers or co-workers. Being to keep a cool head and remain patient in challenging situations is a valuable quality that employers are looking for.
8. Adaptability
The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is another important employability skill. Employers want employees who are flexible and who can roll with the punches, so to speak. They need employees who can adjust to new situations and who are open to change.
9. Emotional Control
The ability to keep your emotions in check is an important employability skill. Employers want employees who can stay calm under pressure and who don’t let their emotions get the better of them. They need employees who can think clearly and make rational decisions, even in emotionally charged situations.
10. Resilience
Last but not least, employers want resilient employees. This means that they’re able to bounce back from setbacks and keep going even when things get tough. They need employees who have a positive attitude and who can stay motivated even when the going gets tough.
Employability Is Important For College-Bound Students
Employability skills are important for all students, but especially those who are college-bound because they will help them stand out from the competition when it comes time to enter the workforce. Many employers seek applicants with these skills, and they are often willing to pay a premium for them.
There are many ways to develop employability skills. College-bound students can take advantage of opportunities on campus, such as student organizations and internships. They can also participate in extracurricular activities, like volunteering or part-time work.
Employability-Focused Private Schools
The best private schools have begun to focus on employability skills in recent years. This is because they recognize the importance of these skills and the need for their students to be prepared for the workforce. These schools offer a variety of programs and activities designed to help students develop employability skills.
As one of the leading employability-focused private schools in Indianapolis, we are committed to helping our students develop the skills they need to be successful in the workforce. We offer a variety of programs and activities that are designed to help our students develop employability skills. These include internships, student organizations, and extracurricular activities.
If you are interested in learning more about our school and our programs, we encourage you to contact us today.
