What are the top job skills that international companies look for?

Quali competenze professionali devi dimostrare di possedere per cercare lavoro all’estero? Cosa cercano le società internazionali? In collaborazione con Kaplan International English cerchiamo di rispondere a queste domande.
By Martine Weron and Candida DaFonseca

When looking for a job, it’s important to think about what kinds of qualities employers are after. Many of the same things will be true whether you are considering local companies or companies abroad.

We have put together a list of five job skills that are most important to international companies.

1 Openness to different cultures:
In an international environment, you will probably be working with people who come from a variety of cultures, with many different life experiences and, sometimes, even different styles of working. Showing that you are flexible and open-minded will go a long way towards getting you the international job you want. Overseas internships, volunteer work, language study, and homestays all provide opportunities to develop self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and an ability to adapt to change – which are exactly the personal qualities (or competencies, as they are oen called) that employers will be on the lookout for.

2 Cultural sensitivity:
Cultural sensitivity is the awareness of and sensitivity to other cultures and practices. It includes assessing differences in cultures and responding to them. This skill is very important in an international environment, especially if you are working in a country that is not your native one. It’s also essential when working somewhere with international clients or customers, as being insensitive of ignorant of other cultures can cost money and respect.

3 Willingness to learn:
When starting a job, it’s more important that you are wiling to learn new skills and progress than it is to know everything before you begin. Being open to learning new skills, technologies and concepts, and being open to what others have to say, is something that employers look for in candidates. You aren’t expected to know everything, but you are expected to be keen to take on new skills.

4 A good attitude:
A recent article in HR Magazine about companies recruiting people under 25 highlights the importance of a candidate’s attitude in the recruitment process. A survey of 600 employers revealed that ‘47% saw attitude as the most important factor in selection, compared to 20% for level of qualification and 10% for professional experience’. While job skills can be learned on the job or taught in a training course, attitude is something that is developed and shaped through experience –with living, studying and working overseas – of particular value to overall personal development.

5 Communication skills:
Research by the Marbella International University Centre lists the most important skills for graduates, with communication skills right at the top. The survey of small- to medium-sized employers found that 69% consider good communication the most important skill in recent graduates. While you can learn many skills on the job, being able to communicate well helps get your point across and helps build working relationships. Being able to effectively share your ideas is especially important in a global work environment, when you need to work with people around the globe.

Understanding which skills you need will help you on the road to working in a global organization, whether it is at home or abroad.

Sources
www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hro/news/1146096/employers-seek-attitude-qualifiations-experience
www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hro/news/1145991/communication-valued-graduate-skill-sme-employers

Materiale fornito da Kaplan International English