In today’s competitive job market, having the right qualifications isn’t always enough. Employers are looking for more than just technical expertise – they want well-rounded individuals with strong employability skills. But what exactly are these skills, and how can they help you land better job opportunities?
What Are Employability Skills?
Employability skills, sometimes called ‘soft skills’ or ‘transferable skills’, are the key qualities that make you an effective and adaptable employee. Unlike job-specific technical skills, employability skills can be used in any role or industry, making them valuable throughout your career.
These skills help you work well with others, solve problems, adapt to challenges, and communicate effectively – all of which are crucial in the workplace.
Examples of Employability Skills Employers Look For
- Communication Skills – The ability to express ideas clearly, whether in writing, speaking, or even in non-verbal ways like body language. Employers value people who can explain things well and listen actively.
- Teamwork – Almost every job involves working with others. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, supporting colleagues, or dealing with customers, being a team player is essential.
- Problem-Solving – Employers want staff who can think critically and come up with solutions rather than just spotting problems. Thinking on your feet and finding ways to improve things is a highly prized skill.
- Adaptability & Resilience – The workplace is constantly changing, so being able to adjust to new situations, learn quickly, and stay positive under pressure is key.
- Time Management – Employers love people who can prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and stay organised without needing constant supervision.
- Leadership & Initiative – Even if you’re not in a management role, showing leadership qualities – such as making decisions, motivating others, or taking charge of a task – can help you stand out.
- Digital & IT Skills – In today’s tech-driven world, even basic IT skills can make a difference. From using email professionally to mastering industry-specific software, digital know-how is a must.
- Commercial Awareness – Understanding how businesses work, what customers want, and what makes a company successful shows that you’re thinking beyond just your own role.
How Can Employability Skills Boost Your Career Opportunities?
Having strong employability skills can open more doors in your career. Here’s how:
- Makes You More Employable – If two candidates have similar qualifications, employers will choose the one with better soft skills. They want people who will fit into the team, communicate well, and bring a positive attitude to the workplace.
- Improves Career Progression – As you move up in your career, technical skills alone won’t be enough. Leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills will help you step into more senior roles.
- Gives You More Career Flexibility – Because employability skills are transferable, they can help you switch industries or roles more easily. If you ever want to change careers, these skills will still be valuable.
- Helps You Stand Out – A CV full of qualifications might look impressive, but adding examples of how you’ve demonstrated key employability skills will make you more attractive to employers.
How to Develop Your Employability Skills
If you’re looking to improve your employability skills, here are some simple ways to do it:
- Volunteer – Getting involved in community projects, charities, or clubs through volunteering can help you build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
- Take on New Challenges at Work – Look for opportunities to lead projects, train new staff, or take on responsibilities outside your usual role.
- Learn Online – There are plenty of free online courses that can help improve your communication, time management, or problem-solving skills.
- Get Feedback – Ask your manager, colleagues, or mentors for feedback on areas where you could improve.
- Network & Engage – Meeting professionals in your industry and learning from their experiences can help you develop commercial awareness and communication skills.
Why CVs Fall Short in Showcasing These Skills
Employability skills are just as important as any qualification on your CV.
But here’s the problem—traditional CVs don’t do a great job of showing these skills. That’s where Startingpoint comes in. By letting you showcase your abilities through videos, images, and verified testimonials, Startingpoint helps you stand out and gives employers a clearer picture of what you can actually do.
The issue with traditional CVs is that they don’t really prove you have these skills. Sure, you can write “great communication skills” on your CV, but how does an employer know it’s true?
CVs are just static documents filled with words—they don’t show your abilities in action. Worse still, many are now AI-generated, making it even harder for employers to trust what they’re reading.
How Startingpoint Helps You Prove Your Skills
StartingPoint changes the game by letting you showcase real proof of your employability skills. Instead of just listing skills on a CV, you can use:
✅ Videos – Show yourself presenting, problem-solving, or working in a team. Even better, upload videos from managers, coaches, or mentors vouching for you.
✅ Images & Work Examples – Got a project, certificate, or practical work to show off? Upload it!
✅ Verified Testimonials – Get references from teachers, work managers, or even football coaches to prove your skills in the real world.
✅ A More Engaging Profile – Instead of a dull CV, you create a profile that truly reflects who you are and what you can do.
Final Thoughts
Employability skills are just as important as technical knowledge in today’s job market. By developing skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, you can make yourself a stronger candidate for any role. Whether you’re a student starting your career journey or looking to move up the ladder, focusing on these skills will boost your career opportunities and help you stand out from the crowd.
