INTRODUCTION:
I recently learned that there are currently almost two (2) job openings for every job seeker. Interestingly, though, there is an active pool of job applicants looking for a better employee experience. However, many job seekers have learned the hard way that the labor shortage has not resulted in an “apply-and-automatically-get-hired” job market. In fact, it appears to have resulted in hiring managers being even more discerning in their hiring decisions. So, you must still possess at least some of the job’s required qualifications to be seriously considered.
As a human resources professional and a hiring manager myself, I have seen that many candidates who don’t get selected for a job lack at least one of three key qualifications. And, at least two of these three qualifications are key to success for most jobs. They are technical skills, writing skills, and/or interpersonal skills. So, today’s post shares the top three skills that many willing job seekers are lacking. And as a result, they have not yet found their shiny new job even in this lucrative labor market.
THREE KEY SKILLS:
Let’s look at these three skillsets more closely and lay out your plan to obtain, enhance, and/or showcase your professional prowess in these areas.
First are Technical Skills. This competency area is two-fold. It might refer to the skills related to the core function of your target position. Or, it might relate to your ability to utilize available software and technology tools to do your job efficiently. It should go without saying that you must possess some level of core technical expertise related to the job’s function.
When assessing your technological skills, please understand that you don’t have to be a technology whiz. Though, you must be able to navigate your way across certain platforms. For example, almost any job these days requires basic-to-intermediate Microsoft Office skills. These include Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You also likely need to know how to use on online meeting platform like Zoom or Teams. If you want to land a office-based position, you must be able to navigate these platforms.
You must also possess a working knowledge of at least one specialized technology platform related to the field.
Word to the wise…don’t underestimate how effective self-paced learning can be. You can build or update your skills without a formal or accredited program. Udemy, Thinkific, Quora, Teachable, Coursera, EdX , and even YouTube offer low and/or no-cost courses. Best of all, most of them allow you to study at your own pace.
Check these and others out to find the right resource for you.
Writing Skills are next. Reading comprehension is the foundation for success in almost any field of interest. So, you should not be surprised that strong writing skills can take your career to great heights. Regardless of how technologically-advanced we become, we must read well to realize career success. I always say that we write the same way that we read. So, reading well often translates into writing well.
A wealth of resources exists to help you build your writing skills as well. A few such resources are Grammarly, grammar-check”>Quillbot. They all review your grammar, spelling, and punctuation to help you write better.
Finally, are Interpersonal Skills. Please understand the power of getting along well with others. It’s like when you were a child. If you didn’t play nice, you found yourself alone, because the other children would not play with you. A hiring manager recently decided to not offer a position to a candidate who had the required technical skills, but not the interpersonal skills.
I understand that our individual uniqueness makes the world go around. So, everyone is not a “people person.” That is why it is very important that we pursue career opportunities that are a good fit for us.
IN CONCLUSION:
Just know that most employers are not so desperate that they are willing to settle when they hire. You must still possess some key skills that show your potential to contribute value to their team. And the three skills that I’ve shared with you today are arguably the top three.
As you plan your successful job search, make certain that you have honed your skills in each of these key areas. I believe that technical skills can be learned. People skills, not so much. You either have them, or you don’t. So, if you do not have great people skills, I encourage you to be selective about the jobs you apply to. In the end, you’ll be happy you did.
Hopefully you found this post useful. Wherever you’re watching, like it, subscribe, or leave a me a comment. I’d love to hear from you.
My goal is to help you live your best career life. So, Career Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!
