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New technology wave named as industrial revolution 4.0 (4IR) accompanied by the use of robotics and automation caused changes in the demand of labour market and employment. Profession as civil engineer is highlighted as one of the 53 critical occupations to boost economic growth to face the challenges in 4IR. However, the percentage of hired entry-level civil engineers is still low due to the generic skills mismatch factor leading to unresolved unemployment issues among civil engineering (CE) graduates. Thus, this study was conducted to explore the specification of 4IR generic skills (GS4IR) for civil engineering graduates based from the industry's perspectives. This study was done by using qualitative approach through online semi structured interviews with five civil engineering experts guided by an interview protocol. The interview data were analysed by using code system to derive the categories and themes in order to develop the specification of GS4IR. The result shows that nine themes of GS4IR were derived which are communication skill, problem solving, leadership, emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, digital and management supplemented with the details from the categories to develop the GS4IR specification that suitable for CE graduates. From the GS4IR specification, it can be used as a guideline to instil GS4IR by the stakeholders (HEI, industries) in order to produce future-proof graduates that able to work in 4IR working environment in line with the aspiration of Higher Education 4.0 Framework by Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]