New research by learndirect reveals there is a perception gap between the skills employers are looking for from prospective employees and the skills jobseekers believe to be important. There is a particular divergence of views when it comes to workplace skills such as teamwork, communication and dealing with customers.
The findings show just one in ten jobseekers think workplace skills are important, whilst 88% of employers say they are a top priority. Getting through recruitment is also a challenge: a quarter of jobseekers sat they don’t know how to create a good impression in interviews; and 42% of employers say the majority of interviewees fail to impress them at this crucial stage.
This research was conducted as part of the learndirect Make it Count campaign, which aims to help improve the nation’s job prospects. learndirect is teaming up with partners including the National Apprenticeship Service, NHS Direct and Totaljobs to encourage more people to learn the skills they need to stand out to employers and get a job.
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John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning said: “The social and economic importance of practical learning cannot be overestimated. learndirect’s campaign will play a valuable role in inspiring people from all walks of life to learn new skills, as well as offering vital guidance to help translate aspiration into action. Building lives by building life chances.”
Peter Shufflebotham, Head of Skills at learndirect, said: “For years employers have been very vocal about the importance of basic skills, such as maths and English, as well as the ability to demonstrate skills for the workplace, such as good communication and teamwork. We wanted to see if this message is reaching the people applying for jobs. Unfortunately the answer seems to be no as our research reveals jobseekers remain confused about what employers are looking for.
“Apprenticeships, online courses and other learning programmes are all great ways to help develop those key skills for work. With our campaign partners, like NHS Direct, the National Apprenticeship Service and Skillsmart Retail, we’re spreading the word about the learning opportunities out there and helping people understand what they need to do to improve their job prospects.”
Other findings from the research include:
* Back to basics: jobseekers need to brush up on their basic skills – 40% say poor spelling is the area they have been criticised for the most in previous jobs, whilst 56% of employers rate proficiency in English as a top priority when recruiting
* Job preparation: jobseekers blame the education system for letting them down with 38% of jobseekers and 37% of employers saying schools and colleges need to better prepare students for the job market.
