Everything They Told You About Getting a Job Is Wrong.
Three myths debunked.
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, there are many myths surrounding employability that can hinder individuals from successfully securing and keeping a job.
In this article, we will debunk some of the most common myths on employability and highlight what hiring managers are looking out for when considering candidates for employment.
Myth 1: There is a scarcity of jobs everywhere
Whilst this myth might be 15% accurate, it’s been the most popular excuse in the books as to why people are not employable.
What does it mean to be employable? It means the ability to gain and maintain employment. In order to gain something, you have to work for it.
If an organization is willing to employ you, what are you giving to the organization in return?
We need to run away from blaming the economy, society and government for not providing jobs and try to be valuable to prospective employers.
Myth 2: A college degree guarantees employability
The second myth is partly the reason why a number of job applicants do not even make it past the job application stage.
While a degree may be beneficial in certain fields, it does not guarantee a job. Many employers now value experience, skills, and certifications more than education.
As we see in todays’ workforce, 60% of workers hardly ever practice what they study as a degree. A degree cannot be all that you offer to an organisation.
It is important to gain relevant experience and develop your skills to increase your employability.
Myth 3: Soft skills are not important
This is the last and most important myth I’m about to debunk. Many people believe that technical skills are the most important factor in employability. However, employers also value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership as much as technical skills.
One principle I have always stood by is that an organization can train anyone technically, but it’s extremely tough to train one’s attributes. A lot of organizations are now following this principle and it has helped them a lot with retention and most importantly, trusting their employees.
These skills can be developed through various experiences, including volunteering, training, and extracurricular activities.
Now that we understand. To be considered for positions, you need to have the skills and qualities that hiring managers are looking for.
Here are some of the essential traits that make a candidate more employable:
Firstly, technical skills are still a top priority. The ability to perform job-specific tasks is crucial, and candidates who can demonstrate their proficiency in relevant technical skills have a clear advantage.
Before going in for an interview, you need to study the job description. It would also help to conduct a research on specific functions of similar roles and how you can effectively perform those functions.
Communication skills are also essential. Hiring managers want to see candidates who can communicate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as active listening skills.
Candidates who can demonstrate excellent communication skills are more likely to succeed in job interviews because it is believed that they would work well with their colleagues.
Hiring managers are looking out for a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Employers want to see candidates who are enthusiastic about their work, are willing to take initiative, and have a strong sense of responsibility.
A lot of candidates always lose their momentum when they cannot answer an interviewer’s questions. I have seen in many interviews that candidates who don’t have the right answers but are willing to learn and are teachable often get the job.
Lastly, always use the STAR method in interviewing. It always lies in the hands of the candidate to determine how good or bad an interview can go.
Knowing how to answer interview questions is the bridge to determining this. Most employers assess candidates using the STAR method and it is beneficial to always answer all questions using this format:
Situation: Describe a situation where you demonstrated the skill in question.
Task: Outline your role in the situation, highlighting the level of responsibility you held.
Action: Explain the steps you took to complete the task or overcome a challenge.
Result: Describe the outcome of your actions, whether you achieved or learned something.
Action Steps for the week:
In conclusion, to increase your chances of being selected for job opportunities, it’s essential to understand what hiring managers are looking for.
By prioritizing technical skills, communication, and soft skills while using the STAR method of interviewing, you can position yourself as highly employable and attractive to potential employers.
Today’s mail was written by Kiki Majekodunmi.
Kiki is a HR practitioner with 7 years of experience in Talent Management and Development with a Psychology degree from Covenant University. She started her career at Phillips Consulting and is most recently the Human Resources Manager at Helium Health, a leading health technology organisation in Africa.
Kiki has a passion for human equality, women empowerment and mental health awareness. She loves cooking, scented candles and blogs in her spare time.
Connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Rooting for you,
Bisola.
Really insightful article. I especially appreciated the point that employability is more than just having a degree, skills, attitude, communication, and willingness to learn matter just as much. This was a valuable reminder that becoming employable is an intentional process, not just a qualification on paper.
Thank you so much.