Though the global job market has experienced dramatic restructuring in recent years, some skills remain universal when recruiting that perfect candidate. And possessing these skills, e.g., communication, critical thinking, teamwork, can increase potential candidates’ worth to their recruiters, regardless of the vacancy. Hence, the following article will describe the most in-demand skills employers seek in their job applicants.

Besides possessing these skills, it’s also crucial that candidates highlight these essential skills on their cover letters and resume. This way, employers can instantly tell if they are the right pick. Remember to showcase only relevant skills for a position. Doing so will make you more valuable to the recruiting managers.

And while specific job sectors require particular skills, some core competencies are common across almost all professions and industries. These skills are sometimes referred to as vital employability skills and are a good measure of an employee’s effectiveness.

Following are a few of the top employability skills that hiring managers use to judge their applicants:

Communication Skills 

This skill might seem a little vague, and it somewhat is. Various things can come under the umbrella of strong communication, including a candidate’s way of conversation with customers and their ability to explain their points via emails. Employees should be able to communicate their thoughts and ideas to their colleagues and managers directly and adequately.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, most business communication is taking place through video conferencing or emails. Therefore, good communication skills are now more crucial than before. Joining a course or class about communication skills is a worthwhile investment because communication remains the most sought-after soft skill in every industry and position.

College professors often assert that there’s one striking difference that sets candidates with a traditional or online MBA from those without it. And mostly, the preference is for those who have an online master of business administration degree.

Why’s that? Because they not only possess business skills but become competent at technology management as well. Similarly, these individuals know how to leverage good communication skills both in-person and through technology to their company’s advantage.

Time Management 

Most organizations will agree that an employee’s timeliness in deadlines and efficiency are tremendous skills. Meaning, time management is another essential skill for employees who work jobs involving multitasking and handling several projects simultaneously. Recruiters would like the surety of having employees that can manage time effectively. They want to ensure that their projects complete on time without constantly hovering over their subordinates.

And the best place to demonstrate this skill is during the interview process. Simply being punctual for the interview might turn the managers in your favor. 

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Another essential skill for soon-to-be graduates is critical thinking. Examining a problem objectively and analyzing information helps you to arrive at the most appropriate solution. It’s what sets the tone for practical problem-solving and decision-making.

Regardless of the job’s nature, most employees will inevitably encounter unforeseen hurdles and challenges during it. Plus, most firms are dependent on their workforce for finding innovative solutions to their organisation problems. Critical-thinking skills are easy to acquire, and candidates can practice them in their daily life challenges. 

Problem-solving skills also indicate an employee’s ability to navigate complex work situations with a positive approach. Though nearly all jobs and organizations deem it essential, problem-solving is incredibly valuable for those working in teams or multinational firms. It’s a good idea to display vital problem-solving skills through one’s resume, including research and decision-making skills.

Digital and Social Media Literacy

As we’re well aware, a business today is only as good as its online presence, and digital media is the new king of the jungle. So, to be a likely candidate in the job market, one should require basic digital and social media knowledge. Including the different types, how they work, and what audiences they drive.

And this literacy stretches beyond just Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Yet, it would be foolish to overlook their importance too. To stand out among one’s competition, it’s imperative to constantly learn the new and discard the conventional ways of doing business. 

There are plenty of classes/courses that teach about emerging media and social platforms. Plus, one can easily find relevant tutorials and articles on the internet explaining the different social and digital media sites in detail.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Collaboration and teamwork skills are the most valuable part of an employee’s skill set. These skills are especially integral for employees of larger-scale organizations. Collaboration, in particular, cannot be neglected when one has to work with other individuals or teams to complete their daily tasks.

And no matter the job title or business niche, most recruiters deem teamwork skills non-negotiable when looking at applicants for a job. Mentioning the following teamwork skills in one’s resume might be helpful: collaboration, responsibility, and delegation.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence can be defined as an individual’s ability to read, evaluate, and respond to emotions, be it their own or others. This skill enables employees to approach their work and interpersonal relationships with a more empathetic mindset.

As businesses process the events of 2020, this soft skill is becoming essential than ever. The pandemic subjected the world’s population to unimaginable grief, loss, depression, anxiety about the future. Whether dealing with remote-work challenges or financial burdens, employees should be capable of understanding a colleague’s emotions and respond with compassion and care. 

A survey reports that more than 70% of recruiters consider emotional intelligence more important than a candidate’s IQ. Additionally, over 75% of managers are more inclined to promote higher emotional quotient employees than higher IQ ones.

To Summarize

Finding a job that suits your qualifications at a reputable company is close to impossible these days. However, there’s still hope. And brushing up on skills that make one an ideal candidate across most professions is the first step in landing one’s dream job. These critical employability skills include time management, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. So, hone the essential skills and become a competitive candidate for organizations.