Despite the number of graduate applicants having trebled over the past three years, 80% of prospective employers reported to The Association of Graduate Recruiters that the latest crop of applicants lack the employability skills for the role.
Aldi carried out research studying 2000 recruiters, of which only 20% said a degree made a potential candidate stand out, whereas soft skills, such as confidence and leadership, are now far more sought after.
Commenting on Ernst and Young’s survey of over 1000 UK university students, their head of graduate recruitment agrees that a good degree from a respected university no longer guarantees a job:
Relationship development and problem solving are key attributes we look for in our trainees…also determination and resilience.
Soft skills are now what employers are looking for in job candidates, over and above a degree. But they’re lacking in applicants.
OK we’re getting the message, but is the education system?