The job market has been a volatile place over the past few years with employment trends and potential changing almost daily. While the market may not be certain, as a candidate for any position, you can still take steps to market yourself as a solid employee with desirable skills. Even if you’re applying for jobs when hiring margins are slim, promoting the right skills to employers can help you land the post you’ve been vying for. Here are 10 skills that are considered essential on the job market today.
Flexibility
It’s important employers know that you are capable of handling multiple tasks and dynamic, ever-changing environments. If a company is not able to hire a multitude of new employees, they want to make sure those they do hire are able to take on many new tasks at once. Show employers you are up to the challenge by highlighting professional flexibility on your resume.
Dependability
In a changing economy, dependability is always key. Employers want to rest assured that not only will their employees show up on time, but they want to be confident that the people they hire are there to get the job done.
Tech-savvy
In an age of virtual connection, social media and digital business, it’s important to be up-to-date with the latest technologies. Employers want to know that their employees are able to handle the technology that helps their business to run smoothly and efficiently. Taking a certification course in new programs or software could be the competitive edge that makes you stand out amongst a large pool of candidates for a position.
Team Player
Sometimes, being qualified for a position just isn’t enough. Employers want to see that their employees can apply those skills to a team setting in order to achieve company goals.
Independent Thinker
Similarly, when those teams hit an obstacle, employers want to have confidence in the fact their employees can find solutions independently. Often times, employers are looking for individuals who are comfortable enough with their skills to apply innovative answers to questions and concerns without a large amount of direction from superiors.
Communication Skills
Across the board, employers want employees that have great communication skills. These skills need to be applicable across a variety of platforms including inter-office, inter-personal, professional and cultural. Someone who can communicate fluidly amongst colleagues, friends, supervisors and international clients alike is going to grab the attention of a potential employer.
Positivity
Hiring an employee is a combination of locating skill sets as well as personality traits. An individual who brings a great amount of positivity to a potential employer will definitely stand out. Not only does a positive attitude show an employer you are excited about the post, but it assures him or her that you would be a good addition to the general atmosphere at work.
Leadership Potential
Employers want to see that those they hire have goals for the future. Someone who is qualified for an opening, but also shows potential for taking on management or other leadership roles in the future is key for employers. Not only does this show them that you are motivated to remain with their company, but that you have a skill set with potential for growth.
Motivation
When an employer sees a candidate who is enthusiastic about their professional future, it gives that candidate a competitive edge. Candidates who are motivated towards professional success encourage employers towards hiring based on the idea that the potential employee will bring an innovative dynamic into their new role. Forward-thinking candidates are individuals that employers are drawn towards.
Organization
Timely and organized individuals are essential to employers. Not only are they people who can keep a company going in the right direction, but they are individuals employers can trust with important tasks and information. Highlighting your organizational skills will keep you a step ahead of the competition.
