What are employability skills?

Employability skills are transferrable skills that are useful in nearly every job. They involve the development of an expertise, knowledge base or mind-set that makes you more attractive to employers.

Employability skills are often referred to as employment skills, soft skills, work-readiness skills or foundational skills. They improve your performance, minimize errors and promote collaboration with your co-workers, enabling you to perform your role more effectively.

Employability skills may not be listed in a job description, but they are important skills that can make you more attractive to prospective employers. The main benefit of having these skills is that it can help you stand out among other job candidates who are vying for the same position.

While other candidates may have the same qualifications and experience, you may have a better chance of being successful in your application if you have employability skills that are particularly useful for the role.

Certain employability skills are more sought after in specific industries. You can prepare yourself for an interview or write your C.V. for a particular position by researching which employment skills are essential in that industry.