Finding the right job in a recession - Top Tip # 1

1. Develop employability skills – team work, communication, problem solving

In an increasingly competitive environment it will become even more important to demonstrate to future employers that you have the skills, talents or abilities they value. For employers, it’s not just what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts.

So what skills do you already have ? A good place to start is to identify your skills and where the gaps are. There is a Skills checklist which you can download from the CDEC website or you can pick up the leaflet entitled Your Career Options from the CDEC Information Centre.

Once you know what areas you want to develop, how do you go about it? You will be developing key skills within your studies, such as research, analysis and communication. Check our careers with your degree pages for more subject-specific ideas. However, looking for opportunities to get involved in other activities such as part time work, volunteering, clubs, societies, teams and other extra curricular activity will give you valuable experience in other areas such as team work, commercial awareness and problem solving. And this will look good on your CV.

Think about the sector you’re interested in and the skills valued e.g experience of working with children is key if you want to be a teacher, or commercial awareness if you want to work in business. If you’re a final year student and think you may have skill gaps, focus on initial jobs which will give you the opportunity to build and strengthen the skills you need before applying for the position you’d ideally like. CDEC can help you decide what opportunities are suited to your skills, knowledge and interests. Call 01273 678429 after 10am to make an appointment with an adviser on the day you want to see someone. Or use our online e-guidance system if you can’t get in, or have recently graduated from Sussex.