This scientific article comprehensively analyzes the main factors affecting the employment of competent specialists in the labor market. The study examines the relationship between the requirements of the labor market in the modern economic environment, the efficiency of the higher education system, the level of professional and practical competencies, digital skills, employers' requirements for personnel and state employment policy. The Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the State Statistics Committee, reports of international organizations (ILO, OECD, World Bank) and the results of a survey among 300 graduates of higher educational institutions. The article argues that, along with theoretical knowledge, practical training, flexibility, initiative and the ability to work with modern technologies are important factors in increasing the competitiveness of competent specialists. The relative weighting of the factors affecting employment was quantified using correlation and regression analysis. The article concludes with scientific and practical conclusions and proposals aimed at increasing the share of qualified personnel in the labor market, expanding the employability of graduates and strengthening the integration of education with practice