Essential Job-Readiness Skills for GED/HiSET Graduates

Earning a high-school equivalency credential like the GED or HiSET opens the door to new opportunities, but it is only the first step toward meaningful employment. Employers consistently rank so-called "soft skills"—including communication, punctuality, teamwork and problem-solving—as essential prerequisites for hiring. Job-readiness programs empower low-income and lower-skilled adults by teaching them how to manage time and stress, understand employer expectations and build self-confidence. These skills help adult learners transition from the classroom to the workplace.

Building core career-readiness skills

Programs offered by community organizations and adult-education providers typically focus on practical skills needed to find and keep a job. For example, the Literacy Project’s career-readiness courses help learners:

- Write resumés and cover letters, complete job applications and prepare for interviews.

- Develop workplace skills—such as using email professionally, understanding job expectations, reading schedules and staying organized on the job.

- Acquire digital skills with common workplace software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, spreadsheets and videoconferencing tools.

These trainings are flexible, supportive and often provided at no cost. They ensure that adults who have earned their GED or HiSET can confidently navigate the hiring process and succeed once they are employed.

Soft skills and employability frameworks

The U.S. Department of Education’s Employability Skills Framework groups job-readiness skills into three broad categories:

- Applied knowledge: using reading, writing, math and critical thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions in real-world settings.

- Effective relationships: collaborating with others, communicating clearly and demonstrating personal qualities like responsibility, self-discipline, flexibility, integrity and initiative.

- Workplace skills: managing resources, using information and technology efficiently and organizing tasks to meet deadlines.

Employers value workers who can integrate these abilities and adapt to changing circumstances. Adult-education programs can help students practice these competencies through group projects, mock interviews and real-world simulations.

Tips for adult learners

1. Participate in job-readiness workshops. Take advantage of community programs that offer resume writing, interviewing practice and digital-skills training.

2. Practice communication and teamwork. Volunteer, join study groups or participate in class discussions to build confidence speaking and collaborating.

3. Develop a digital toolbox. Familiarize yourself with common office software and online communication platforms to stay competitive in today’s job market.

4. Seek feedback and mentorship. Ask instructors or career counselors for constructive feedback on your job-search materials and interview skills.

Bottom line: After earning your GED or HiSET, invest in building job-readiness skills. These practical and interpersonal abilities will not only help you land a job but also support long-term career growth and stability.