A degree alone is not enough. Employers are looking for more than just technical skills and knowledge of a degree discipline.

They particularly value skills such as communication, teamworking and problem-solving. Job applicants who can demonstrate that they have developed these skills will have a real advantage.

Twenty-first century graduates need to demonstrate to employers that they can 'hit the ground running'. In addition to working hard to gain a good degree, students should engage in extra-curricular activities and obtain work experience in order to develop skills that will make them better prepared for the world of work. It is also important for students to become self- aware and develop the confidence to market themselves effectively when the time comes to apply for jobs.

Leaving university or college with a good degree is a prerequisite in the graduate employment market, but alone this is not enough to secure your first graduate job. How does an employer choose the right person from a hundred applicants all with the same class of degree?

The skills you develop while at school/college and university and the experiences you gain will all help to give you the edge over the next candidate.

The good news is that this means it is essential not simply to bury your head in a book all the time you are in school, but to continue with all the things, including your interests and work experience, that help to enrich your life and improve your Resume/CV.

So what do employers want?

Do any of the following words describe you?

Self-reliance skills Self-awareness, purposeful, focused, self-belief, realistic

Proactivity, resourceful, drive, self-reliant

Willingness to learn, inquisitive, motivated, enthusiastic

Self-promotion, positive, persistent, ambitious

Networking, initiator, relationship-builder, resourceful

Planning action, decision-maker, planner, able to prioritise

People skills Team working, supportive, organised, coordinator, deliverer

Interpersonal skills, listener, adviser, co-operative, assertive

Oral communication, communicator, presenter, influencer

Leadership, motivator, energetic, visionary

Customer orientation, friendly, caring, diplomatic

Foreign language, specific language skills

General skills Problem-solving, practical, logical, results orientated

Flexibility, versatile, willing, multi-skilled

Business acumen, entrepreneurial, competitive, risk taker

IT/computer literacy, office skills, keyboard skills, software packages

Numeracy, accurate, quick-thinker, methodical

Commitment, dedicated, trustworthy, conscientious

Specialist skills Specific occupational skills, specialist relevant knowledge, eg languages, IT

Technical skills, eg journalism, engineering, accounting, sales

What skills have I got?

When you start to think about it you will be surprised to discover how many skills, as outlined previously, you already have.

Skills developed from interests:

Climbing Snowdon (team orienteering task for Duke of Edinburgh Award) Leadership

Problem-solving

Risk-taking

Co-operation

Music band (play regularly at local venues) Commitment

Entrepreneurial

Organised

Skills developed from work experience:

Conservation group (voluntary fund-raising) Drive

Persistence

Financial awareness (numeracy)

Waiting on tables (local restaurant) Diplomatic

Flexible

Assertive

Skills developed from education:

Project work Planning

Able to prioritise

Resourceful

Field trip Team working

Focused

Willing to learn

OK, I know these skills are important so what should I do now? Take time out to review your skills, looking back to the original list, what skills do you think you are good at and which ones do you think you could do more to improve in order to make yourself more employable in the future?

Take action on specific skills

Many university courses may require certain skills, especially vocational ones like medicine or law. Look carefully at prospectuses and entry profiles on the university or college website to find out what they are looking for. Make the most of school/college organised work experience or work shadowing to get relevant experience. Take all opportunities open to you and be proactive. If specific experience or skills are required for a degree course, make your own contacts, eg with a hospital, construction, accounting or law firm. Remember your work experience doesn't have to be all-singing and all-dancing. Showing that you have had the initiative to get into the right environment can be key.

Plan to improve your employability skills and get involved in school/college activities

Why not get involved in your student council, and if you have not got one, suggest that one is started. Offer to help when you can, whether it is fund-raising for the school, or helping out at open evenings or with younger children. Start a student magazine in your school or college. Watch out for student conferences, eg., and take any chances to attend taster days at universities or organised by professional bodies.

Volunteering

Volunteering can help you develop skills, can be fun, and you can do it in the vacations and weekends. It is also a really good way to mix with people outside your school or college and show your interpersonal skills. There are many local organisations who will accept volunteers.

Part-time work

Never underestimate the importance of this. Communication, teamwork, drive and energy are all essential in many jobs, whether they are fairly mundane or not.

Don't forget, create your own skills portfolio

You need to know what you are good at and have the evidence to prove it. Be one of the smart generation and record all your activities, paid or voluntary, in or out of school. If you have a Record of Achievement/Progress File, log your experiences in this. It makes for much easier Resume/CV writing, not to mention completing your University/College application.