Which are those top 10 Skills Employers Look For? Unprecedented economic, global and technological circumstances have created a sea of change for job seekers in today's labor market. And, as it turns out, not all prospects possess those desirable job skills.
According to a recent article in Fortune magazine, employers looking for new talent recognize the increasing importance of certain skill sets. Skills that will require further development over the next five years.
In an evolving digital universe, systems thinking, big data and AI-related skills along with technological literacy rank high among the hard skills that hiring managers look for in potential new employees. But soft skills like creative thinking and customer service are now just as vital. Although these traits may be difficult to convey via printed words on a resume. However, it's possible to showcase people skills, for example, in a face-to-face or virtual meeting.
In the labor market, demand can exceed supply just as it would in the housing or commodities markets. With regard to employment, "survival of the most agile" appears to be the mantra of hiring managers. Yet, many job seekers still lack the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic technological environment.
The pandemic triggered changes in the form of corporate layoffs and natural language advancements. These events revealed prospective employees didn't have the skill sets that employers need now and in the future. The resultant skills gap has many organizations placing their operational and systems modernization plans on hold.
The principal challenge, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), becomes teaching and retraining about 44% of the labor force which requires an upgrade in career skills. A secondary obstacle for job searchers becomes how to access platforms designed to teach these cherished skills.
Tech expertise certainly enhances a job hunter's prospects as Industry 4.0 unfolds. But, innovative employers still look for skills beyond coding, development or machine learning knowledge. Recruits should have the ability to conceive and promote new ideas in addition to having a knack for analysis and problem-solving.
From the perspective of talent acquisition specialists, less tangible but equally desirable skills include:
The WEF expects societal digitization to impact about 25% of all future jobs. The continuing journey through the electronic strata also demands that prospective employees carry other critical skills along the path. Namely, leadership and social influence. Social media has become a free and easy way for organizations to spread their message through their employees to ever-expanding footprints of customer networks.
While soft skills may not translate on paper, these attributes can shine through during the hiring process. Initially, interviewers can ascertain whether a recruit has persuasive and clear communication skills. Those elements become apparent during ice-breaking conversations or a verbal summary of a candidate's work experience.
Recapping work history offers a glimpse into a recruit's ability to function effectively in a team setting. They may also be able to lead a group of co-workers, which counts among valued soft skills. Other soft skills manifest in how prospective employees solve complex problems and adjust to changing workplace philosophies and operations.
Learning critical new skills is key to propelling career advancement. Fortunately, the means to hone these proficiencies are easily within reach.
CPS HR Consulting offers an expansive list of courses designed to improve the employment skills needed to succeed in a continually changing job market. Employees can choose among 150 diverse courses that help sharpen business acumen.
Learners can delve into comprehensive business skills programs. Prescribed courses focus on analytics, communication, leadership, presentation and relationship development. CPS program instructors bring a wealth of experience from the private and public sectors. They also have foundations stemming from advanced educational backgrounds.
It all adds up to an effective curriculum aimed at boosting your career to the next level.
For more information on supercharging your employment prospects, contact CPS HR Consulting today.
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