The article presents the results of the empirical research relevant to the labor market competencies of graduates with the major in engineering. Subjective preferences of employers shape requirements for the personal and professional characteristics of a graduate. In authors' opinion, the professional competences of engineers stated in educational standards in sufficient detail and require updating in order of importance for the modern employer. The theoretical search and empirical test are due to determine the set of personal characteristics of graduates, which will affect the successful employment of young professionals and ultimately their competitiveness in the labor market. In the course of the expert survey we identified key competencies of graduates with the major in "Agro-engineering" ("Bachelors") and "Operation of transport and technological machines and systems" ("Bachelors"); ideas of specialists about demanded in current professional work knowledge and skills were studied; grouping of the key functional responsibilities of professionals working in positions of the chief engineer and mechanical engineer was held. Information obtained during the survey of experts can be used to improve the matrix of competencies, content of workshops, updating set of competencies within the University.