Transitioning seniors from the Class of 2019 are experiencing the best job market for new college graduates since 2007, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers “Class of 2019 Student Survey”. In addition, the results show that graduating college seniors who had applied for full-time jobs received an average of 1.10 job offers, the highest rate of average job offers in 12 years. This is great news for the Class of 2020 as they head back for Spring semester. Not only is the job market strong but so too are starting salaries. While 2019 salary data has yet to be finalized, 2018 grads had an average starting salary of $50,994.00 up over 2% from the class of 2017. This upward trend is expected to continue for the class of 2019. So as you head back to campus and begin to interview keep in mind the market is strong, albeit very competitive. Do you have a strategy to stand out? Your candidacy is not about 10 years of job-related experience. Rather it’s about the skillset, attributes and energy you bring to a company. Here are the top “soft skills” employers seek in hiring new graduates:
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Communication skills (written)
- Leadership
- Strong work ethic
- Analytical/quantitative skills
- Communication skills (verbal)
- Initiative
- Detail-oriented
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Technical skills
Are you able to articulate you have the above with specific examples? Are you able to explain to potential employers why you wish to work for them both from a business as well as cultural perspective? Are you able to differentiate your candidacy from classmates and the value it brings to a potential employer? If the answer to any of the above is less than a 100% yes; get ready. With over 2MM undergraduates representing the Class of 2020, you need to have a plan and strategy to take advantage of a great job market!