Looking for A Job? You Need THESE 8 Essential Skills!
Oldies But Goodies
Whether you’re applying for a part-time job as a waiter or a retail assistant in high school, or you’re angling for a permanent position in either the software sector or the advertising industry, there are some important skills you need to possess in order to catch the attention of employers.
Although the following skills may sound basic, generalised and/or too cliche (and you may fear that it won’t help you differentiate from other applicants), they are still essential skills at their core, ones that broadly appeal to employers spanning countless work sectors and industries.
You can always add on to your existing skillset later – until then, to prove you possess a strong ethic, these must-have skills form a solid foundation.
What You Need
Here are eight essential skills that employers look for when considering candidates:
1. Communication
Being able to use effective communication – whether it’s written or verbal – is an asset that employers look for. After all, communication is integral for improving engagement, increasing work productivity and contributing to a positive environment. Specifically, it’s useful for when you need to demonstrate ideas to your manager, talking to your colleagues, selling your products, liaising with clients and suppliers, or making presentations to the rest of the company.
2. Teamwork
Working in a team – where responsibilities are shared, ideas can be discussed and tweaked, and problem-solving is made easier – can increase your efficiency and productivity levels. It’s a critical skill that employers look for, so start improving upon your team-working skills by clarifying you and your colleagues’ roles and goals, maintaining a positive attitude, and communicating clearly, respectfully and effectively wherever possible.
3. Problem-Solving
There will be high-pressure situations at work that may arise, requiring you to think critically and come up with innovative solutions to problems. In these situations, you also need to demonstrate a sense of resilience and calm. If you possess problem-solving skills, then you put yourself in strong contention for your desired job position.
4. Tech Literacy
A lot of businesses and companies require their employees to be proficient in technology. This can cover a wide range of tech skills from word processing, data analysis and video-editing to using applications, social media and digital marketing. To increase your chances of gaining employment, brush up on your technical skills by enrolling in classes, learning from online tutorials or studying books on tech-related matters.
5. Adaptability
Anything can happen in the workplace at any moment. As such, employers appreciate it if you can adapt to new circumstances when necessary; what’s more, they appreciate individuals who take initiative, motivate others and make decisions. In other words, adaptability is a positive sign that you have leadership potential, and that you are best equipped to deal with any and all challenges that come your way.
6. Organisational Skills
In a fast-paced world where keeping on top of your duties should be your primary concern, you need to prioritise important tasks, be able to delegate, be punctual and plan ahead. Businesses and companies need employers like you to help them achieve their goals and maintain an efficient workflow.
7. Creativity
Employers value candidates who can think creatively, bring new perspectives to the table and find unique solutions to problems. It also encourages an element of teamwork, as you and your colleagues can bounce ideas off each other. Plus, it also ties in to problem-solving skills, in that it prompts you to think critically and provide alternative solutions where possible.
8. Willingness to Learn
Whether you’ve attained an entry-level position or you’re a senior figure in your field, there’s always room to expand your current knowledge. This can be done by ongoing learning (eg. attending night-school, enrolling in an online class, completing a university diploma/degree, etc.), and staying updated on industry trends and advancements. By demonstrating a willingness to learn, this shows that you want to evolve professionally.
Good Start to Success
By possessing and/or improving upon these skills, you will be able to set yourself apart from other candidates. Again, there will always be opportunities to showcase your other skills or add on to them, but these skills are sure to help you enter your chosen career field. Good luck!