TEN EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AND WHY THEY MATTER

Many training courses promise to give you employability skills. And most careers information tells us that these skills are important to getting a good job. But what exactly do we mean by ‘employability skills’? 

We did some research to find out what people think employability skills are. Only 30% could give more than one accurate example. So here’s a short guide that shines a light on the soft skills which underpin career success.

From capable to effective 

Imagine you work in a lab and share equipment with a colleague. Knowing how to use the equipment is a technical skill. But what about the skills you use to interact with your co-worker while sharing the equipment, perhaps to arrange who uses the equipment when or how you can collaborate to get your work done faster? These types of employee qualities, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, are what we mean by employability skills.

Employability skills help hold your technical abilities together. Without them, reaching your full potential at work will be harder. They have the potential to take you from being capable to being highly effective at work. And another value of employability skills? They are transferable across industries and job roles. 

The importance of employability skills

Employability skills are different from technical abilities. Employers value candidates who are qualified and capable of fitting into the team, working under pressure, and adapting to different situations. Think about it this way—your technical expertise may get you the interview, but the employability skills you demonstrate can help you get and keep the job. Skills like time management, interpersonal communication, and adaptability often set high performers apart in the workplace. 

Employability skills you need 

Here’s a closer look at important employability skills, complete with real-world examples to show why they matter. 

1. Communication 

Clear communication is fundamental at work. Whether crafting an email or presenting ideas in a meeting, how you bring your thoughts to life can influence productivity and collaboration. An employee who communicates clearly will reduce misunderstandings and save time. 

2. Business awareness 

Understanding your organisation’s goals and industry trends is vital. For instance, knowing how competitors operate or what brings customer satisfaction can help you make suggestions for helping the business prosper. 

3. Creativity 

Employers value creativity because it fuels innovation! Consider a marketing professional with fresh content ideas or a salesperson developing a pitch tailored to a client’s needs. Creativity keeps businesses competitive. 

4. Proactivity

Do you wait for instructions or take initiative? Being proactive—before being asked—helps you solve problems faster and ensures you deliver on expectations. You will feel more pride in your work and be valued as a team member. 

5. Time management & punctuality 

Being on time and taking control of your workload equals professionalism. For example, delivering a project early can showcase your reliability to both managers and peers. Constantly being late can damage your reputation and have a knock-on effect on your colleagues.

6. Teamwork 

Teamwork isn’t just about group projects; it’s about everyone pulling in the same direction. Working well across departments, coming together and sharing expertise will all lead to success. Mastering how you deal with the suggestions of others and being positive and inclusive to all team members is a valuable skill.

7. Interpersonal skills 

When everybody gets along, there is a more pleasant atmosphere. Good relations between colleagues, clients, and managers create a positive culture. Being able to listen and showing empathy builds strong bonds at work.

8. Management skills

This can be a tough one! Managing people, managing your line manager’s expectations and being able to delegate when appropriate are all soft skills. When you get it right, you will improve performance and outcomes at work. 

9. Resilience under pressure 

Resilience is the ability to adapt when you face challenges and still thrive. You can be a star at work by remaining composed, meeting deadlines and solving problems as they arise. If you are early in your career, these are skills you can aim to develop as your career progresses. 

10. Cultural fit 

Employers often prioritise candidates who match the organisational culture. They could value people who align with the firm’s established approach, or they may be looking for staff who blaze a trail. Most employees will be happiest when their personal approach is valued and used at work. 

Developing employability skills 

You are unlikely to have many of these skills right at the start of your career. Don’t worry: they will develop naturally over time and as you face different situations. 

The key is awareness. In fact, self-awareness is another skill in itself! Be conscious of the areas you want to improve and take steps to enhance these critical skills. Small changes can lead to long-term rewards. 

Online platforms like The Skills Toolkit offer free courses to develop employability skills. Courses range from communication to leadership techniques, all aimed at boosting career prospects.

Go beyond 

Employability skills are often the bedrock of your success at work. They go beyond technical abilities, helping you become a more effective, adaptable, and valuable professional. Being proactive about developing these skills will make you a standout candidate and a star employee.