Who’s in Demand

Although there are fewer opportunities, many employers are hiring. Who are they most interested in? And what criteria do they use to select employees?

In general, you’ll find that there are a number of factors that affect an employer’s decision. First and foremost, the employer needs to know that the potential employee has the right knowledge and skills set to actually perform the job; in many cases, that means the “right” major, although there are many opportunities that don’t rely on any one specific major.

As part of gauging the potential employee’s ability to do the job, the employer may also look at GPA and at experience—internship, co-op, volunteer, or some other work-related experience.

Finally, employers have a laundry list of abilities, qualities, and attributes that they believe are important in new hires.

Top Majors

Overall, at the bachelor’s degree level, business, engineering, and technical majors are of most interest to employers this year, while at the master’s level, M.B.A.s , followed by engineering degrees, are of most interest. At the doctorate level, engineering and computer science top the list. (See Figure 2.)

In general, interest at the bachelor’s degree level is being driven by employers in government and finance. 

GPA, Experience Count

Like it or not, many employers do have a GPA “cut off”—and use that point as a hurdle to separate those they want to consider further from those they won’t pursue. In fact, over the past five years, emphasis on GPA has been growing, with more and more employers using GPA as part of their screening process.

Professional organizations and manufacturers are most likely to use GPA to winnow out candidates, but more than half of respondents from government, transportation/utilities/distribution, finance, business services, trade, and construction firms said they screen candidates by GPA.

Among employers who use GPA, 3.0 is the most common cutoff point.

Does a poor GPA doom you? No. You can overcome a less-than-ideal GPA, but recognize that it will take effort. You will need to demonstrate to an employer that you do have the skills and abilities necessary to perform the job...

…which is where experience comes in—especially relevant experience gained through an internship or co-op assignment.

Employers prize experience in job candidates regardless of the state of the economy, but, in a tight job market, when they’re limited to fewer candidates, picking the “right” candidate is even more crucial. 

Experience says you have actually performed the job and can do the work.

As a result, you’ll find that employers prefer to hire candidates who have relevant experience.

What Employers Want

The right major. A high GPA. Internship experience. If you can offer all three, you have a decided advantage…but you’ll still face plenty of stiff competition.

Employers have an extensive list of skills, qualities, and attributes they seek, and, although major, GPA, and experience are key, they are not the end of the list. Far from it.

As Figure 3 illustrates, employers have a tall order for their new hires. But don’t be overwhelmed. What this really shows is that employers are looking for well-rounded candidates. You likely have many of the skills, qualities, and attributes employers seek, but may need help identifying how you gained those skills and how you use them. That’s where your career center staff can help: Schedule an appointment to talk with a counselor. He or she won’t do the work for you—but can walk you through to help you figure out what you have to offer an employer.