No matter what your area of specialism is or what roles you are considering for the future, it is now an accepted fact that employers are looking for more than just technical skills and practical experience when they recruit. However, the most common term, ‘soft skills’, somewhat belies the importance of this very particular set of abilities. Competencies such as time management, problem solving and prioritising are relatively easy to evidence, but how about empathy, persuading, and motivating? It is important to be aware of the value of your research activities in building evidence of a variety of skills and attributes, but as mentioned elsewhere in this resource, it can also be helpful to build experience through other activities, for instance:
- Volunteering
- Internships / placements / work-shadowing
- Part-time jobs
- Teaching / mentoring at the University
- Attending workshops
- Funding bids
- Departmental events and challenges
- Collaborative writing / research opportunities
- Entrepreneurial projects / businesses
- Membership of societies / industry specific organisations
Hobbies and interests can also be used if framed correctly. For example, playing an instrument in itself has limited scope within applications, however, the ability to perform in front of an audience demonstrates confidence and presentation skills, or playing in a chamber group could indicate teamwork, attention to detail, communication skills etc. Employers are keen to take on individuals who have a passion for something outside of work; as much as to demonstrate their capacity for being passionate, as for maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
According to IFF research (industrial forecasting), employers report significant skills shortages in applicants post-university, with the following skills being highlighted as underdeveloped:
- Time management and prioritising
- Solving complex problems
- Persuading or influencing
- Managing or motivating others
- Knowledge of the product/industry (commercial awareness)
Completing this section will help you to identify your skills, competencies and attributes so that you are clear of what to communicate within your applications, as well as areas where you can develop further