Views From The Top: Key Traits Employers Look For In A Fresh Grad

By Joshua Joseph

Now that you've finally aced university, you might be pondering about how to land that dream job. As competition continues to intensify for jobs, you'll be vying for that same position alongside hundreds of fresh graduates just like yourself. How do you then stand out in a crowded marketplace to seal that ideal job? To help you with this, we ask SIM alumni who are soaring high in various industries on the key traits that they often look out for when hiring a fresh graduate.

#Mindset Is Key
“I'll look out for someone who is interested in the cause and vision that I have for the company. It's a mindset that is very different from one waiting to collect their monthly paycheck. It allows room for opportunities and growth not just for the company but the growth of the individual as well. Being able to grow together as a team and work towards a goal is how companies should be working."

#The Right Character

"I would say character is the most important thing as he or she must be honest, loyal and able to communicate well as to drive collaboration in a legal and ethical manner. That person must be coachable and have a growth mindset as a fresh grad does not have prior or much working experience."


#Staying Humble, Staying Hungry
"I look out for someone who is able to “always stay humble and stay hungry”. In a fast-paced and globalised economy, to remain relevant and competitive is challenging because big market opportunities are outside Singapore. We need to continuously learn, adapt faster to the new changes and be willing to work outside Singapore."

#A Positive Attitude

“Apart from qualifications, the moral values of a person is a more important factor. The right attitude and mindset will set a person apart from the rest of the pack. Anyone can learn a job, but it's a matter of whether that person can align themselves with the company's corporate values and beliefs. We emphasise a lot on the right attitude during the hiring process, someone who is willing to learn and is open to suggestions and helpful to their peers.”

Click here to find out more about the many opportunities available in SIM to sharpen your employability edge and to stand out in the marketplace.