What employers look for in freshers

On the one hand, young people say that only having a certificate does not get a job. Employers on the other hand say they are not getting qualified people. Where is the deficit? What skills do employers or corporate organizations look for in fresh graduates? Zahid Hossain Khan tried to find out by talking to employers, human resources experts, academics

Creativity comes first

Employers look for creativity first in a ‘fresher’. Lamiya Bushra, HR Director of Petromax LPG Ltd. Lamia has held several significant roles in the past. These positions include being the Head of Group Human Resources at Mutual Trust Bank. She was also the Head of Recruitment and Relationship at BRAC Bank. He said, ‘Creative workers can usually find new solutions to problems. Can think beyond conventional thinking, can provide innovative solutions. That’s what corporate organizations want. A 2023 McKinsey & Company report reveals that employers place high importance on certain skills. It states that 78 percent of them rank problem solving as important among fresh graduates. They consider critical thinking equally important. Remember, creativity is not just about art or design. Creativity involves finding new ways to solve problems. It includes introducing new trends in teamwork. Adding fresh ideas to marketing plans is also part of creativity.

Must have interest in learning

Another important quality employers look for in freshers is willingness to learn. Professor Khaled Mahmud of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of Dhaka University said, ‘Technology is constantly changing. The world system is also constantly changing. So work patterns and demands are also changing. If someone can learn new things quickly and apply them, he also becomes indispensable to the organization. Employers always value people who have a flexible mindset. One who regularly updates his skills. Many a times fresher’s LinkedIn or social media behavior can also tell his interest or mindset to learn. Employers these days also look at how a person behaves online.

Must have patience

‘Patience’ is very important for a fresh graduate in corporate culture. Being able to finish work on time even under pressure is a great skill. Without patience you cannot acquire this skill. Maintain a positive attitude even in difficult times. Sometimes the work may take time to complete or the expected results may not come. In this situation, it is important to be patient and have the ability to proceed according to plan. Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) head of human resources department Manjurul Alam said, ‘Employers want employees who can control their emotions. Can handle negative workplace situations positively. Mental stability and emotional intelligence are very important qualities for freshers. A study by Business Insider found that 71 percent of employers prioritize emotional intelligence among fresh graduates. In addition, many emphasized the dynamics and leadership potential within the party. Emotional intelligence is essential for managing emotions when faced with challenges. It helps in maintaining good relationships with colleagues. It also creates a positive work environment.

Eagerness to take on new challenges and subject knowledge of the University

All jobs have challenges. It is important to have the attitude to accept this challenge. According to a report by consulting firm Deloitte, 64 percent of employers value adaptability. The demand for these skills has largely increased post-pandemic. Mohammad Faisal Imtiaz Khan is the HR Business Faculty of Canada’s Centennial College. He is also the former chief human resource officer of Robi Aziata Limited. He said, ‘Employers seek those ready to take on new responsibilities. They want individuals who test themselves in new areas of work. Subjective knowledge from university also plays a big role in employment. Application of subject knowledge is very important especially in technical or engineering, medical, IT, etc. sectors. However, sometimes there is a big difference between book knowledge and practical knowledge. Still, if the basics are right, a fresher will get advantage in many cases.

Experience in co-curricular activities

Checking if a job seeker has leadership qualities in just one interview is very difficult. Employers look for leadership and ability to work with a team. They want to know if you have experience in co-educational programs. AHM Saif Hossain, senior director of UK-based real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle, said, ‘A candidate cannot understand everything in a 40-50 minute interview. It is a short span of time.’ It is a short span of time. Therefore, employers often emphasize communication skills. Leadership and teamwork are very important in corporate culture. So such experience is very useful for freshers. Employers always want employees who can communicate effectively. Can contribute to team work. It is not just about being able to speak English well but communication skills. How fluent he is in his mother tongue is also a matter of verification. How well he can present the idea is another.

Technical skills are crucial in today’s job market. Managing your time effectively is equally important.

According to a Harvard Business School study, 74 percent of organizations are moving toward skill-based hiring. Faisal Imtiaz said, “In today’s digital age, employers look for technical skills among freshers. From Microsoft Office to programming, data analytics, digital marketing, etc., the better you are, the better you will be. Especially if you want to work in the IT sector, you need skills to use software. You also need skills for various tools. Time management skills are also a great quality among freshers. Being punctual means you are serious about work. Many people want to see this seriousness.