Metaphorically, the labour market is a battlefield. Hundreds of candidates apply for a single job on LinkedIn, career portals and other platforms. Many candidates assume having the required technical and interview-acing skills are all recruiters look for.
On the contrary, in addition to position-related competence, there are a number of other skills employers expect from all employees. These skills are much more needed at a time there is a growing demand for remote work. In this article, we highlight those sought-after soft and hard skills that will put you ahead of the competition and give your career a thrust.
What employers look for in all employees
In addition to your specialist skills, find below the general skills employers expect from all candidates.
1. Communication skills
Almost all jobs require communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal. If you’re not communicating with clients, you may have to communicate with colleagues. Your communication skills can be assessed from your resume, cover letter and your speech during the interview. Communication skills are also demonstrated in report writing.
Several studies have shown that effective communication in the workplace increases productivity and efficiency. The ability to listen, understand, interpret and communicate information in written and oral forms is an advantage.
Employees who possess excellent communication skills can listen actively and respond accordingly. They also pass information clearly, leaving no room for ambiguity and misinterpretation.
On the other hand, poor communication skills cause frequent misunderstanding, confusion and avoidable job-related stress. Lack of effective communication skills is regarded as a cause of workplace failures.
2. Leadership skillsMany employers look for leadership skills at all levels of the organization. Leadership skills are needed to motivate others to achieve set goals. Possessing leadership skills is also a major requirement to successfully manage a team and deliver on projects.
Businesses experience turnovers and employers recruit new employees to fill existing vacancies and replace retiring or resigning ones. Therefore, many employers consider leadership potential as a critical quality in the long term. Integrity and a high level of emotional intelligence are crucial leadership skills employers look for.
To develop leadership skills, you can enroll for leadership courses, take up responsibilities and focus on improving in the following areas:
- Conflict resolution and fairness
- Positivity and flexibility
- Transparency and integrity
- Teambuilding and supporting the growth of others
- Giving sincere feedback and motivating others
- Building trust with your colleagues and employer
- Willingness to take on and accept responsibilities
Interpersonal skills are required to collaborate with team members and work with other colleagues at work. Employees who have great interpersonal skills can conveniently build and maintain relationships with partners, clients and colleagues. They also tend to have a high level of emotional intelligence. Interpersonal skills are critical for teamwork, interacting with managers and responding to situations.
On the other hand, people will try to avoid working with anyone who shows poor interpersonal skills. Frequent conflicts become inescapable, too. Ultimately, a lack of interpersonal skills will have a negative impact on productivity, in addition to creating a toxic working environment.
If you want to be easily recommended for promotion and opportunities, ensure you sharpen your interpersonal skills. To develop your interpersonal skills:
- do self-assessment by reflecting on your actions and how they affect others;
- think of better ways you could have approached past situations;
- learn how to resolve disputes;
- show appreciation and empathy when occasions demand;
- have a positive attitude;
- watch and learn from the better ways others approach situations.
Related: How to Build Professional Reputation
4. Computer skills
Virtually all occupations require the use of computer and mobile applications to simplify tasks. Lack of (or insufficient) computer skills is a huge disadvantage. Employers are in search of professionals who can deploy cutting-edge computer-based technologies to execute tasks.
Besides being able to use business tools like spreadsheets, word processors, email and related technologies, it is important that you learn how to use the latest applications that enhance efficiency in your field.
5. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential in the workplace to analyse situations and problems. Even if you have a daily routine, novel situations are bound to arise. This is almost inevitable for new employees or those who are changing careers.
While collaboration is normally encouraged in the workplace, the ability to work without needing help every now and then is required by employers. Employees who demonstrate these skills are known to also possess strong decision-making skills.
So, regardless of the nature of your job, it is vitally important that you develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Follow these steps when trying to solve problems:
- Identify and define what exactly the problem is.
- Come up with strategies to solve the problem.
- Critically appraise the different strategies and adopt the best.
- Gather data and adequate factual information. No assumptions. Read that again.
- Earmark required resources.
- Monitor progress to be sure things are going according to plan. Otherwise, re-strategize.
- Evaluate the results of the adopted strategy.
You can improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by taking online courses.
6. Solid work ethic
Although a strong work ethic is not always stated as part of the requirements of advertised jobs, employers are in search of individuals who are self-motivated and self-disciplined. Highlighting this in your CV will give you an advantage, especially if the job defies strict supervision and micro-management.
Having a solid work ethic will help you to stay focused, engaged, industrious and deliver jobs within set deadlines. It will also build your reputation for integrity and diligence and prepare you for leadership roles.
Final thoughts
Different jobs require different skills. Nevertheless, certain skills are relevant to all professionals. To stand out as a thoroughbred professional, focus on developing the identified skills alongside your technical competence. They are surefire ways to bolster professional careers.
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