Boost your employability: 7 ways to improve employability for graduates

Cambridge Dictionary defines employability as “the skills and abilities that allow you to be employed”.

Simply put, employability for graduates means having the qualities and skills that make employers interested in you. Employability for graduates is not just about your academic qualifications but also your skills and how motivated you are. Employers in the UK look at more than just what's on your resume. Since many job candidates have similar qualifications, it's about what extra you can offer the company.

1. Identify and boost your skills

To make yourself more attractive to employers and boost your employability in the UK, start by figuring out the skills they value. As a graduate, you need both hard and soft skills to do well in your job. Your responsibilities might change and companies want employees who can adapt as they grow in their careers.

While the technical knowledge you gain at your educational institution is important, soft skills are just as crucial. Employers in the UK look at your academic background and outside activities to see if you have good communication, creativity, curiosity, teamwork, collaboration and critical thinking skills.

2. Work on your resume

Keep your resume updated with your latest accomplishments to improve your employability in the UK. When you finish a training course or take on more responsibilities at work, add them to your CV to show off your skills and knowledge. When you apply for a job, carefully check the job description and see which of your skills match the requirements. Remember, even small things like part-time jobs, projects, or volunteer work can help you develop skills that apply to other jobs.

3. Gain some work experience

Studies and experts agree that fresh graduates can boost their employability by gaining some much-needed work experience.

This could mean that doing internships or working part-time jobs can help boost your employability, even if they're not related to your major. These experiences help you develop skills like communication, time management and handling pressure, which are valuable in any job.

4. Participate in extracurricular activities

Getting involved in extracurricular activities is a lot like gaining work experience and it helps enhance employability for graduates. It shows you've gained transferable skills that can be used in the workplace and that you're not just focused on your grades. You've built a life outside the classroom.

5. Expand your professional network

When you're looking for a job, who you know can be just as important as what you know. If you want to work in a specific industry in the UK, start connecting with people in that field to improve your employability. For example, if you're interested in marketing, follow marketers on social media or attend marketing events to boost your employability. Networking helps you make contacts who can support and guide your career growth.

6. Enrol in a course

Pursuing courses is a great way to learn new things or get better at what you already know. You don't have to take courses that are directly related to your job to improve your employability. Even if the skills you learn aren't exactly what you need now, they might come in handy later. Employers like to see that you're taking the initiative to learn and improve yourself. For example, if you're interested in IT, learning to code could be useful. Or if you want to work in finance, taking an accounting course might be a good idea.

If you are looking for such courses to improve your employability in the UK, look no further. Global Banking School (GBS) is a reputed higher education institution in the UK that offers specialised courses in numerous fields to boost employability for graduates. From health and tourism to business and accounting, GBS offers the best courses for you to grow and succeed in your field.

7. Build a portfolio

Some jobs might require you to maintain a portfolio of your work. This is common in fields like photography, interior design, freelance writing and publishing. Having a collection of your best work can prove to employers that you're skilled and have experience. It also makes you stand out when you're looking for a job. In short, creating a portfolio can be a great tool to boost your employability.

Understanding what employers seek in job candidates can help you improve your employability. Here are some qualities employers are keen to see in you:

• Communication: Employers understand the importance of effective communication. They seek candidates who can communicate verbally and in writing effectively. So, you must showcase your ability well. Having good communication skills can definitely help improve employability for graduates in the UK.
• Honesty: Being truthful is a quality employers look for in candidates. Organisations benefit from having employees who acknowledge their mistakes and learn from them.
• Dependability: Employers place a high value on employees who can do their job well and consistently. They want to know they can rely on you to complete tasks, meet deadlines and show dedication to their work. If you showcase this trait to potential employers, it will help you boost your employability.
• Teamwork: While not every position needs teamwork, employers value people who work well with others. During an interview, demonstrate that you're willing to compromise, communicate and work with colleagues to achieve company objectives.
• Adaptability: Employers appreciate candidates who can handle change and challenges. Show that you're flexible and can adjust as circumstances demand to improve your employability.
• Willingness to learn: Let potential employers know that you're eager to learn new things to boost your employability. Most employers in the UK value individuals who actively strive to improve themselves. During an interview, highlight your commitment to personal and professional growth, such as taking courses.

GBS is a leading higher education institution known for its industry-specific courses in areas such as business, finance, healthcare and more. The institution has a major presence in major cities across the UK. GBS is dedicated to its mission of “changing lives through education”.

Courses to improve your employability by GBS in the UK

The results of the 2023 National Student Survey (NSS) show that GBS has scored higher than the sector average in all ten themes, surpassing the benchmark for the fourth consecutive year. This demonstrates the institution's strong reputation in various key areas.

The primary goal of GBS is to help students excel and level up employability for graduates in the competitive job market. The institution achieves this through strong employer connections, personalised academic and career guidance and our specialised courses. GBS has an inclusive approach to student recruitment, aiming to provide higher education opportunities to the under-represented in the sector.

Studying with GBS goes beyond earning a degree; it's about personal growth and creating better opportunities and job prospects for all members of the GBS family.

In the video podcast, Steven O’Brien interviews Uretha Cole, a GBS student representative on the Manchester campus. Uretha shares her positive experiences at GBS, the value of her role as a student representative and the challenges and rewards of returning to education later in life.

Watch the video here

GBS believes that transforming one life at a time through education can inspire others to strive for a brighter future.