Page 22 - Graduate Recruitment Handbook 2024

Graduate Attributes –

What do employers want?

Graduate attributes represent a package of knowledge, skills and understanding you’ll need to impress
potential employers. As a new employee you’ll need to have the knowledge, skills and key attributes to be a
success in the role, (and possibly the potential to grow).

This leads to three areas
of focus:
1. Job related
knowledge and skills
2. Transferable
employability skills
3. Cultural fit and
attributes that align
with the organisation

Job-related Skills

Technical and subject knowledge: this one is rather obvious, in that if an employer needs a specific degree,
then you’ll need to have it! However, this can extend to having industry-specific qualifications, expertise in using
specific equipment or software, etc.
Relevant work experience: Nearly two-thirds of graduate employers warn that graduates with no previous work
experience have little or no chance of receiving a job offer on a graduate programme (The Graduate Market
High Fliers: 150 of UK’s largest graduate recruiters).

Employers themselves are helping to address the experience gap, with many offering work experience and
placement opportunities.

22 2024/2025 Graduate Recruitment Handbook