Were you as confused as Penny by Sheldon Cooper’s attempts to teach her physics? Do references to string theory, gravity waves, and dark matter make your brain go numb? Then just wait ‘til you have to make sense of what skills employers are looking for when you start your next job search.
Recent research shows that entry-level jobs today definitely require more complex sets of skills. This is causing lots of employers to complain about critical “skill shortages” because they can’t find people with the right combination of capabilities to fill particular jobs.
For example, in the accounting profession, managers now want new grads who have leadership and change management skills, as well as training in basic accounting. Even bank teller’s jobs have gotten a lot more complicated in recent years. Tellers now have to quickly learn how to talk to customers about retirement plans and home credit lines. There is a lot more to learn in most entry-level jobs.
Understanding how jobs have become more complex, requiring a bunch of different skills, can actually be to your advantage if you take several steps to be better prepared for post college employment. Here are three things you can do.
Use Electives to Customize Your Resume
Do research in fields you’re interested in to learn what employers are looking for in entry-level jobs. Study job postings carefully to see what kind of skills employers are looking for. For example, if you’re an accounting major, you’ll increase your chances in the post-college job market if you take an elective “leadership” course.
Add Technology Courses to Increase Your Appeal
Students can make themselves more competitive by adding a technology course or two to learn about web design, social media, Excel, or PowerPoint. Employers expect these skills in job applicants today.
One important trend is that a number of jobs such as social media manager and web designer are actually declining. But some understanding of these skills is now increasingly expected when you apply for other jobs in sales, human resources, and marketing or public relations.
Show You’re a Quick Study
Students who can demonstrate their ability to learn new skills quickly will also be much more successful on the job market. Employers know new grads can’t know everything they’ll need, so they look for applicants who have shown the ability to learn fast.
When preparing for interviews, think of times you’ve mastered new information quickly when stepping into an unusual situation. For example, maybe you studied abroad and immediately learned to navigate in a foreign city. Or did you have an internship where you were able to get oriented quickly and start making a real contribution? Be prepared to communicate how you can learn fast.
One reason today’s job market is so challenging is that jobs are getting much more complex. It’s like Sheldon Cooper struggling when his Big Bang friends don’t follow his esoteric theories. In the same way, employers today want candidates with a broader mix of skills, and they’re much harder to find. As a new grad, you’ll stand out if you anticipate these changes and do a little homework. That way you can turn this increased complexity to your advantage.