Information for parents, family and whanau
What skills are employers looking for?
Basic skills that help you with employment
Literacy and numeracy
- Literacy (being able to read and write) and numeracy (being able to do simple calculations and make sense of numbers) are the two most basic skills that employers look for.
- You can get help improving these two skills from organisations such as Literacy Aotearoa.
- Literacy and numeracy - what does it mean?
- Literacy Aotearoa website – find out about tuition in your area
"Employers need people who are able to read, write, count, do sums and speak effectively. They need to be able to get along with and respect others. They should be able to think, take initiative and solve problems. They need to have a work ethic and a sense of responsibility. And they need to be able and willing to keep learning."
Phil O'Reilly, CEO, Business NZ
- Many industries require driving skills
Being licensed to drive
- If you are going to work in any transport-related area, your car driver’s licence is the first basic licence you need.
- However, many jobs involve driving - and not just professional driving jobs such as bus driver, courier or truck driver. From caterers transporting food to events, to sales workers making deliveries - a driver's licence is useful in many roles.
- Having a driver’s licence can give be an advantage in many jobs, and can give you an edge over candidates who don't have a licence.
Skills employers are looking for in university graduates
The results of a 2006 survey outlined the 10 skills most valued by employers in New Zealand.
Top 10 skills
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong verbal communication skills.
- Strong written communication skills.
- Adaptable, can-do attitude.
- Sound academic achievement.
- Self-motivated/self-starter.
- Team player.
- Energy and enthusiasm.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Analytical and conceptual skills.
Source: Victoria University, 'Employment Skills Survey', 2006
