Employers who hire new college graduates have identified core skills that are critical to students’ success in the job search and in the workplace.

Take a look at the core competencies from the UW's Career & Internship Center to recognize skills you already have that you can highlight in your application, and skills you might want to improve through the position you are applying for.

Career and self-development

Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

Communication

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization. This includes both verbal and written communication.

Critical thinking

Identify and respond to the needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

Equity and inclusion

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different cultures and backgrounds. Engage in anti-oppressive practices that actively challenge they systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity.

Leadership

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.

Professionalism

Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

Teamwork

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Technology

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

Learn more about core competencies

Ready to create a standout resume and engaging cover letter? Start by exploring these helpful resources! Whether you’re writing your first resume or cover letter or updating an old one, you'll find expert tips, sample resumes, and extra support to guide you every step of the way.

• Resume writing guide
• Resume action verbs
• Sample resumes
• Cover letters: getting started
• Cover letter samples

The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice! In addition to practicing, below are a few resources with great tips and advice on preparing for your interview.

• One-stop shop for interview prep
• Ace your virtual interview
• Yoodli mock interview tool
• Mock interview rubric
• UW backgrounds for virtual interviews
• STAR method of interviewing