Here, at RecruitAGraduate, we work closely with business owners and hiring managers across South Africa, and time and again, we find that there is one particular set of characteristics employers want to see in graduates.
These are intangible qualities that set candidates apart from their peers, signalling to an employer that this person will grow, contribute meaningfully, and adapt with them. The three characteristics that stand out, which we'd like to chat about with you today, are curiosity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Curiosity
When we talk about curiosity, we're not referring to a genuine, proactive interest in the world around you. Employers love candidates who show they're eager to learn, explore new ideas, and broaden their understanding.
Curious graduates ask thoughtful questions in interviews. They're the ones who take time to research a company beyond just reading the website. They connect the dots between what they studied and how it applies to real-world situations. And once hired, they're more likely to be proactive, suggest improvements, and take initiative.
One of the best ways to cultivate curiosity is to develop a consistent habit of learning outside your formal studies. That could mean following industry news, watching TED talks, listening to podcasts, or reading widely on topics that interest you, both in and outside of your field.
In interviews, your curiosity can come through in the questions you ask, your awareness of trends, or how you reflect on what you've learnt from experiences like part-time jobs, volunteering, or group projects.
Tip: Stay curious by building a learning routine. Aim to read or listen to something new and thought-provoking for 10–15 minutes a day. Over time, you'll grow your knowledge and sharpen your perspective and ability to contribute to conversations.
Adaptability
The world of work is evolving, more so now than ever before, and graduates entering today's job market will likely work across multiple industries, roles, and technologies over the course of their careers. Being adaptable, therefore, open to change, willing to learn new systems, and comfortable sometimes dealing with uncertainty are important skills.
Employers are on the lookout for candidates who aren't easily unsettled when things change. This might mean a deadline shift or being asked to use a new tool you haven't worked with before. Adaptable employees respond with a "can-do" attitude, ask for help when needed, and take the initiative to upskill.
Adaptability is something you can work on and cultivate. You can practise this by deliberately putting yourself in situations that stretch you: try something new, volunteer for a leadership role in a student society, take a short course outside your comfort zone, or challenge yourself to solve a problem differently.
In interviews, you can demonstrate adaptability by sharing stories of when you handled change or overcame an unexpected hurdle. Employers will listen for clues that you remained confident, resourceful, and eager to grow.
Tip: Reflect regularly on what's changing in your environment. The more you get used to adapting, the more confident you'll feel in uncertain situations.
Emotional Intelligence
In a team environment, emotional intelligence is often the difference between someone who just "gets the job done" and someone who makes the team stronger.
Emotional intelligence is your ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and respond well to the emotions of others. It shows up in how you handle feedback, manage stress, communicate, and work with people from different backgrounds or personality types.
Graduates with strong emotional intelligence tend to be good listeners. They take ownership of their behaviour. They're aware of how their tone or attitude impacts others. And in high-pressure situations – like an imminent deadline or a challenging conversation – they stay calm and constructive.
This characteristic is especially important in entry-level roles, where you're learning, receiving guidance, and figuring out your place in the team. If you can do that, you're more likely to grow quickly.
Developing emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness. Pay attention to how you respond to stress. Reflect on past group projects: did you bring people together, or add to the friction? Practice empathy by trying to see situations from others' perspectives.
Tip: Small daily habits matter – greet people, express appreciation, and handle mistakes well. These simple actions create a positive impression and help build trust over time.
Yes, your qualification is important. So is your CV. But in a competitive job market, the graduates who stand out are the ones who have all these plus characteristics that signal to employers that you're not just ready to work – you're ready to grow.
At RecruitAGraduate, we're here to support you on your job search journey, with opportunities and guidance to help you become the kind of professional employers want to hire.
Click here to explore graduate job opportunities.