According to an article that was published on LinkedIn Learning, there are certain skills that companies need most in 2019. The writer, Paul Petrone, pooled the list of skills from exclusive LinkedIn data in order to help professionals determine which skills they will focus on building this year.

In this article, we tell you why these skills are important and how to clearly express some of the ones you already possess in your CV.

Soft Skills

These are intangible skills that are difficult to quantify. They relate to how you perform on the job and relate with others, and they cut across most industries.

1. Creativity

Creativity is problem solving, with relevance (having a solution that actually solves the problem) and novelty (originality), therefore; solving problems in an innovative way. Companies are looking for professionals who can think of solutions for tomorrow.

If you’re good at problem solving, you may include it as part of your skills and competencies in your resume, but be prepared for a probable question linked to this in your panel or one-on-one interview.

2. Persuasion

Persuasion is a process aimed at changing a person’s attitude or opinion towards something by using written or spoken words to communicate the information. Having a great product, a great platform or a great concept is one thing, but the work is in convincing people to buy it.

When applying for a job, you are the product and your CV is trying to persuade recruiters to buy you.  Proper communication skills, in this case written, will sell you. You must therefore proofread your CV, ensure punctuation is correct and avoid grammatical errors.

During the interview, verbal communication will help you secure the job; articulate yourself well, listen to the questions and answer in a simple and honest way – it’s not the time to practice new words.

3. Collaboration

 Knowing how to work well with others and fitting into an organization’s culture is important. Everyone wants a team player.

To show this on your CV, list the clubs or sports teams or maybe an organizing committee (that is relevant to the job you are applying for, or the course studied) you were part of, under your extra-curricular activities section. If you are not affiliated to any, well, this might be a good time to start considering it.

4. Adaptability

How will you navigate today’s ever-changing world? Are you able to think on your feet? Are you flexible in your mindset?

“You cannot solve tomorrow’s problems using yesterday’s solutions.”

If you are applying for a job in a fast-paced environment that has emerging trends or new ways of doing things, you may want to include adaptability in your skills and competencies.

5. Time Management

 Something important to note is that mastering time management today will serve you for the rest of your career. It is a very important skill to have, for both personal and professional growth.

As a student, some of the ways to master this skill are to be on time for your classes, training sessions and meetings and to submit your assignments on time.

It’s the small things that will make a big impact.

Hard Skills

These are skills and competencies that can be taught and measured (some through exams). They are tangible and can be specific to certain industries or markets, while others cut across the board.

1. Cloud Computing

As the world moves toward the cloud, companies are now deliberately searching for professionals who have the skills to accommodate this demand.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction.

The age of AI is here, where artificial intelligence will replace tasks, but not jobs, so you best know what AI is, at the very least. A topic to explore more…stay tuned.

3. Analytical Reasoning

Companies are also on the prowl for professionals who can make smart decisions based on available data.

Do you always seem to be asking yourself Why? Does it end there or do you continue and ask how?

4. Social media marketing

Companies are also looking for ways to digitally communicate with their customers as new platforms emerge in the market #watchoutforthathashtag #whereisthehashtagkeyonthekeyboard

5. Business Analysis

More companies are relying on analysts to help them guide strategic investments. It will therefore help to have analytical skills, such as looking out for trends and patterns or maybe even having prior training in some data analysis tools such as SPSS or R.

What do you think? Was this information helpful?

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This article was written by Loise Mburu, Career Development Services.

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