From skills to attitude, here's how to stand out and secure your dream role after university.
You’ve got your degree, your CV is polished, and you've sent out applications, but still no luck? The truth is, qualifications alone aren’t enough anymore. Today’s employers are looking for something more. Whether you're still studying or freshly graduated, here's what UK employers actually want to see, and how you can show it.
1. Transferable Skills: Back to Basics
There’s nothing soft about “soft skills.” Soft skills are crucial across every industry, regardless of what job or sector you’re aiming for. According to a University Alliance survey, 55% of employers rate communication skills as essential.
Key Skills & How to Develop Them:
- Communication: Practice clear, professional language in emails and meetings. Join a student publication, try public speaking, or take part in group discussions. Step beyond the digital: modern employers want to see young professionals who have the confidence to approach colleagues, ask questions, and actively develop their understanding in person.
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Reflect on group projects and ask yourself, what worked, what didn’t, and why? Use tools like SWOT analysis or cause-effect diagrams in your uni work.
- Teamwork: Don't just say you're a “team player,” prove it. Highlight specific roles you’ve played in group settings, whether in part-time jobs or societies.
- Adaptability & Resilience: Talk about a time you overcame a setback, adapted to change, or learned a new skill quickly. Don’t linger on the difficulty; talk about the growth that adversity gave you. After all, you don’t grow in your comfort zone.
- Organisation & Self-Management: Balancing coursework, part-time jobs, and extracurriculars? That’s evidence of solid time management; be sure to describe the responsibilities you have willingly undertaken.
- Initiative & Leadership: Lead a group project, start a blog, or take on a committee role. Employers value individuals who take initiative without being told. Draw on extracurricular activities, such as sporting activities.
- Commercial Awareness: Understand the company, the industry, and their competitors. Read sector news and follow relevant professionals on LinkedIn. Look up a prospective employer’s values, corporate mission, and any recent publications in the press.
- Digital Literacy: Build confidence with tools like Excel, Google Workspace, or industry-specific software. Free online courses can help.
- Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: Show awareness of others in group settings. Practice active listening and reflect on feedback.
- Dependability: Check your applications for errors. Show up on time. Follow through. It’s the small stuff that builds trust.
According to the research and advisory firm Gartner, the number of skills required for a single job has been increasing by 10% year-on-year since 2017. Gone are the days of ring-fencing job requirements in a small box. The modern professional needs to be agile, adaptive, and above all, communicative with diplomacy and professionalism.
2. Relevant Experience: Taking the Initiative
Experience is one of the biggest differentiators in today’s competitive job market, and it doesn’t have to be paid to count.
How to Gain It:
- Take on part-time work or volunteer. These roles build real skills and demonstrate reliability.
- Seek out internships or placement years. Don’t forget to explore internships, apprenticeships, work experience, and placements at Mereo Talent!
- Join clubs or societies and take on leadership roles, such as being a voluntary football referee or event organiser, which may feel completely detached from work. This demonstrates initiative and responsibility.
- See a skill in every job ad? Find a free online course and teach yourself. Sites like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or FutureLearn are great for this.
3. A Proactive and Enthusiastic Attitude: Energy Matters
68% of employers say enthusiasm for the role is a top priority. Energy, curiosity, and willingness to learn go a long way.
How to Show It:
- Research the company and mention what you admire about their work during interviews.
- Be the person who says “yes” to projects, to learning, to new challenges.
- Ask thoughtful questions and seek feedback to grow.
- Focus your time on quality involvement; for example, leading one university society is better than lightly participating in five.
- Start a side project (blog, podcast, coding project) to show passion and self-motivation.
4. Cultural Alignment: Is it a Good Fit?
Companies want someone who complements their values and working style. It’s not just about skills, it’s about fit.
How to Demonstrate It:
- Study the company’s tone, values, and mission from their website, social media, and employee reviews.
- Think about environments you’ve thrived in (fast-paced, creative, structured?) and talk about how you fit their style.
- Show curiosity in interviews about how teams collaborate and what the company values on a day-to-day basis.
5. Academic Foundations: Know What Matters
Your degree is the baseline, not the endgame. Most graduate schemes require at least a 2:1, but there are exceptions, especially if your experience and attitude shine.
What Employers Look For:
- Degree Classification: A 2:1 is typically preferred, especially for large graduate schemes, though not always required.
- Subject Relevance: 52% of employers care, but many schemes are open to all disciplines.
- Beyond Grades: Awards, academic projects, or research can also be helpful. But more and more employers focus on who you are, not just your transcript.