For jobseekers who want to remain a step ahead of the pack, it’s important to know what the most wanted skills are in today’s workplace.
Research on what HR experts believe are the most important skills indicates that we are moving away from a mind-set that potential employees should have the technical know-how and the right academic qualifications. Even though the latter is an inevitable prerequisite, the emphasis has shifted.
1 COMMUNICATION SKILLS (LISTENING, SPEAKING AND WRITING)
Communication skills are perhaps the first set of skills that potential employers will notice. From the initial moment you get in touch with them, the employer will be scrutinising the way you behave.
Be it the way you talk over the phone, the way you give them information on email, your resume and cover letter, or the way you carry yourself during the interview, they will be assessing whether you have polished communication skills.
Make sure that you proof read any form of written communication you send them, and take your time to listen to what they ask you (or read their instructions carefully), and answer in well-thought out, grammatically correct sentences. The way you communicate your thoughts should be impeccable, as this is the way they expect you to communicate with colleagues and clients alike throughout your tenure in their organisation.
2 ANALYTICAL AND RESEARCH SKILLS
As much as you think a question/problem presented to you is a piece of cake, be very wary of giving a rushed answer. Take the time to analyse the situation, think of all possible scenarios, and if possible ask for some time to go and do some research to find out more.
Being analytical, but also having strong research skills, differentiates one employee from the other. It demonstrates your determination, your ability to assess different scenarios, and your commitment to be 100% sure before giving an answer to your employer. It could mean the difference between a badly thought out idea and something that may gain the company a huge profit!
3 FLEXIBILITY/ADAPTABILITY
An ability to manage multiple assignments at the same time, and being flexible enough to work under ever changing conditions, management, environment and rules is highly appreciated.
In today’s world, a job description is very fluid, and can change shape at any time. An employee that is willing to work under a multitude of changing circumstances is highly sought after.
Being able to adapt from one working environment to the next, or even from one type of assignment to another, is a big advantage. It demonstrates the individual’s commitment to the organisation, and will influence their career progression.
4 INTERPERSONAL ABILITIES
“No man is an island”. So the saying goes. Increasingly in the workplace, we all have to work with others in order to complete a project.
Be it working in a team, or dealing with clients or suppliers, interpersonal abilities is a definite advantage and something employers always look for.
The ability to build relationships with those around you under any circumstances, and the ability to inspire them to do what needs to be done is essential.
5 ABILITY TO MAKE DECISIONS AND SOLVE PROBLEMS
Decision making and problem solving is another skill that is high in demand. The ability to identify complex problems and review related information in order to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions, can distinguish one employee from another. The ability to use critical thinking to rationalise a decision will set an individual apart.
6 ABILITY TO PLAN, ORGANISE AND PRIORITISE WORK
Simple as it may sound, an individual that can show that he/she has been able to plan and organise their work is very valuable. Pay special attention to the way you plan your tasks, and ensure you keep up with all the deadlines you are given.
An employee that can stick to assigned timelines and can provide pieces of information with ease and speed indicates that he/she remains on top of things.
7. MANAGEMENT SKILLS
The ability to manage people is a very powerful skill. Not only can you inspire individuals to do what is right, you can guide them along the way, and you can monitor their progress in every step. Being able to lead a group and manage these individuals in a way that does not impede their progress and insult their judgement is highly desirable in today’s workplace.
With Gen Yers taking over the work place, and their strong desire to be left alone to do what they have to do, it is essential to have managers that know how to lead and manage their teams in a way that leaves all employees room to come up with their own ways of doing things. Exhibiting strong management/leadership skills is therefore a big advantage in today’s working world.
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