Graduate Confidence

By Frank Mulligan ñ Accetis International, Talent Software & Recruit China

It shouldnít come as much of a surprise.

British research indicates that more than 75% of young people coming to the workplace have a higher estimation of their abilities in comparison to what they can actually offer. If I remember correctly, it went on to say that they would find themselves in for a rude shock.

Were this study done here in China I doubt the results would be that much different. Few of us, anywhere in the world, can stand up and say that our generation was lacking in confidence when we were young. Itís the way things are.

The study give a few suggestions for graduates but after many years of interviewing graduates this is what I tell them at interview:

Understanding - Graduates in China need a better understanding of how a business really works. That can only be achieved by taking summer jobs and internships. Even if their parents can afford for them not to work it is still a good idea to do so. Employers are more confident of people who have actually gotten their hands dirty a little. Needless to say, I give this advice too late but maybe they will pass this on to others.

Textbooks Out! - I also tell them that they need to throw their textbooks away and find out what is really true in an office or factory environment, and what is not. (You can imagine the reaction at this stage. Fish in a fishbowl.)

Humility - I suggest that their post-graduation ëhighí is not necessarily welcome in the workplace if it includes even the smallest amount of arrogance. A greater deference to more senior staff is normally a good thing in a new job. Older staff know so much more and they will share this knowledge with younger staff, but only if the younger employees are willing to accept that they are not the experts in everything. Many graduates have a habit of saying ëI know, I knowí. This needs to stop because they donít know. Unfortunately, when I tell them this they tend to repeat the ëI know, I knowí line.

Attitude - It comes as a big surprise to graduates when I tell them that employers donít need their technical skills. They need their ability to get a job done, on time and inside the budget. This is not the simple application of their technical knowledge but a lateral thinking process of considering all options, and choosing the best one. It requires taking risks, making mistakes and learning from these mistakes. Itís all attitude, and you canít study that.

Personal Impact - One thing I have noticed with graduates is that their presentation and reporting skills are weak. It seems they are not taught this in college. I tell them to start working on them now, and that this will get them to the next level, not their degree. Everyone has a degree.

Now all you have to do is find the ones who, over the past 8 years, were actually willing to take my advice.

Good luck. You may need it.

Email frank.mulligan@recruit-china.com
Frank Mulliganís blog ñ www.talentinchina.com