• Get ready for your career in science
• You and the job you want
• Employers and the labour market
  • Overview of labour market for scientists
  • Industries that employ science graduates
  • Occupations for science graduates
  • Where do employers advertise jobs?
  • What do employers seek in a science graduate?
  • How do employers assess your skills?
• Practical Skills to Find Work
• Useful Resources

Employers and the Labour Market

What do employers seek in a science graduate?

In finding the right person for the job employers will review information on a candidate in a number of ways. They use this information to determine if they fit the work environment as well as if they have the abilities to undertake a specific job role. 

• Academic performance – the benchmarks vary with different employers but all will look at results as evidence of your ability to apply yourself to learning and evidence of meeting standards.
• Discipline knowledge – sometimes there is no substitute for having studied a particular subject as demonstration of bringing in current knowledge.   At other times employers will use broader terms such as “relevant degree in science” to attract a wider range of job applicants.
• Capability –the ability and intelligence to complete the tasks associated with the job and the general abilities that enable you to work effectively in an organisation and give you the capacity to progress.
•  “The right attitude” – heard that expression before?  Employers want to know if you are work ready and look for expression of enthusiasm, interest, self motivation and a link between your career goals and their organisation.  Graduates are often able to offer a fresh perspective to how an organisation meets its’ goals.