Employers Emphasize 'Expertise' over 'Skills'

At the University of Salford's Careers Blog for Postgraduates, Fiona Christie says that in place of specialized skills alone, "employers want it all" from prospective employees — that is, they seek those with "expertise," those who've harnessed "a blend of skills, attributes, qualities, knowledge, and experience." According to David Doherty, chief executive office of the UK's Council for Industry and Higher Education, employers desire the "mash-up graduate," Christie reports. While she says that employers' expectations may be a bit too high, she adds that there is a lesson to be learned for job-seekers: when applying for positions, it's imperative to "demonstrate ... depth as well as a breadth of expertise." Christie says that this so-called "T-shaped graduate" is "the ideal candidate" in the eyes of a prospective employer.