In today’s world, everyone knows that jobs have evolved as we know them. It is not enough to just be dazzling in an interview and your academic transcripts are similarly not the only thing you need to earn that job. According to Balir Heitmann, a career expert with LinkedIn, the skills that are the most important factor when it comes to landing a job right now are not necessarily learned in school. “More companies are shifting from traditional measures like degrees and years of experience to skills-based hiring to ensure that they get the most qualified person in the job who can really deliver,” Hetimann told CNBC last week. It is true technical skills remain the main criteria when companies and employers are hiring but when they are not coupled with key soft skills that allow you to multitask, it could be a deal breaker. According to a recent study done by ZipRecruiter, an overwhelming majority of employers, up to 93 per cent, say soft skills play a critical role in their hiring decisions, as opposed to education qualifications alone. It was also found that the skills that employers are looking for are constantly changing and soft skills are increasingly replacing hard skills and employees have to evolve as well remain relevant. The most in-demand skills are mainly soft, which is why a corporate company will hire someone with good communication and marketing skills with a bachelor’s degree for a position that requires a master’s degree. It’s important to note that job-seekers don’t need to have all these skills, unless they really apply to what you do. However, experts say it is important to add these skills to your CV if you have the opportunity. Confidently include these skills in your resume if you have proof that you can do what you say and chances are, an employer will look at that instead of your academic transcripts. Don’t be surprised if you are considered for the job even before submitting your documents. Below are some skills recently shared by LinkedIn that will ensure that you remain employed if you work on them. Good customer service: Good customer care in this day and age is everything, at a time when clients have many choices for the same service, they can choose from. Your ability to serve customers well will not only generate more revenues for the organisation, the feedback from customers will earn you a promotion. Exhibit patience and customer care that makes you stand out. Sales and marketing: You don’t have to be in the sales and marketing department to make sales. There are people who through their connections are able to attract clients and that, to your employer, counts even more. You are adding value to the company or organisation. The employer notices your passion and commitment through sales and how you speak about the organisation. Being accountable: Again, you don’t have to be an accountant to do this. Being accountable means you value company resources and follow up on how they are used. When you use every opportunity you get to rip off the organisation, an employer will know. Account for every coin and resource, your employer will be impressed. Business development: What new ideas are you bringing on board? What value will they add to the organisation? Coming up with ideas that will expand the business or increase its portfolio will earn you more props at work. Communication and digital skills: In our previous article, we mentioned how communication is not reserved for the department in charge of that only. When you are armed with the digital know-how of doing things and the ability to communicate effectively, you are a real gem to the employer. Leadership and problem solving: These come in handy when needed to address an urgent challenge the organisation is facing, even if it is not in your area or mandate. It exudes responsibility and leadership. Leaders are everything for employers. Take up the difficult tasks and solve them, it will do magic for you.
