SOFT SKILLS: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the cross–cutting competencies or interpersonal communication skills of university graduates that are most valued by international employers.Research methodology. This article uses methods of desk research, general scientific methods such as systematization, generalization, concretization, synthesis, analysis, as well as a quantitative method (questionnaire survey).The value of research. The analysis focused on the characteristics of employers and organizations, methods and tools for assessing transversal competencies and the most highly valued competencies at the international level. One of the main contributions is the creation of a classification consisting of many crosscutting competencies grouped by five parameters. The results show that employers placed more importance on competencies related to basic work-related skills (JRS), social-relational skills (SR) and self-management skills (SM). Higher education institutions should include «employment pedagogy», which will strengthen the link between the academic environment and socio-professional reality and ensure an adequate transition of graduates to the labor market.The results of the research. The research findings revealed that the most widely used method of assessing the ability to work is indirect assessment. To assess interdisciplinary competencies, employers use presumptive information (with an emphasis on importance, indicators of working capacity or expectations regarding the competencies required for work). In contrast, only a few studies directly assessed the skills needed for the job (focusing on hiring criteria through interviews with employers). With such a direct assessment, a large number of studies have been devoted to analyzing the content of job ads. The scientific novelty lies in the search for adequate mechanisms for the employment of graduates and, as a result, the use of best practices in managing this process at the international level.