Many countries have seen higher unemployment due to the current economic slowdown caused by the Coronavirus epidemic and other factors. Because more people are competing for available positions, finding a job has become more difficult. Compounding the problem is the fact that a significant amount of work is now done in a very different way than few years ago. Many of us have been forced to adjust to this new reality as remote virtual work has become a large part of the job environment. These realities have shifted the skill sets and characteristics that employers now seek in new hires. Therefore, the question is, what are the skills and attributes that employers are currently looking for in new employees? What skills must a college graduate or someone who may have lost their job and is seeking employment possess to be considered for employment?
Some skills and attributes will always be valuable and required in the workplace. We’ll always need to be able to collaborate in order to get things done. As a result, mastering interpersonal skills will always be a plus for everyone looking for work. Similarly, the capacity to multitask and manage time restrictions are essential. Other skills and attributes such as leadership and conflict resolution skills will always be sought out by employers when hiring new employees. However, organizations are increasingly focusing on certain skill sets when hiring because of the new reality of remote virtual work and the significant reliance on technology to complete it. A recent study based on employers’ perspective on the employability skills needed by 21st century STEM students found that the five most important skills required for the current workplace are team player, self-motivation, verbal communication, problem-solving and being proactive (McGunagle & Zizka, 2020). Another study by Rios et al. (2020) found that oral and written communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills were the skills that were in high demand by employers. Similarly, we will elaborate on some of the skills and attributes that we believe employers are looking for below.
Communication skills
The ability to communicate both written and verbally has always been an important skill needed for employment. However, in today’s scattered workplace, where employees are no longer located in the same physical location, such as an office building, the ability to communicate has become a highly sought-after skill. Employees must now be able to communicate effectively using various technological tools such as video conferencing, email, and instant messaging. Therefore, the ability to write and speak well is critical in today’s workplace (Rios et al., 2020).
Technological Skills
The heavy reliance on technology to get things done makes it necessary for new employees to develop certain technological skills. Employers now expect new hires to possess technical skills such as using communication software like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Employers also expect their employees to use social media to communicate the organization’s message effectively and provide customer feedback. It is no longer acceptable to be competent in the use of spreadsheets and word processing programs. Employees are expected to develop other computer-related skills such as manipulating databases and basic graphic design skills. For instance, employees are now expected to assist the organization in maintaining a web presence by making changes to the organization’s website and social media pages. Developing these technical skills will provide a significant advantage to those now seeking employment.
Self-Management
The ability to work, produce, and remain motivated without extensive supervision is a quality needed in today’s dispersed work setting. Employees who can maintain their focus without being present with others in the workplace or without being directed by a supervisor’s physical presence are in high demand. Employers now expect employees to be self-motivated and driven to get the job done without the need for physical supervision. Employees are expected to maintain their focus despite the many distractions that come with working virtually. Employers are also seeking out people who can maintain a positive attitude in difficult times. Being mindful of your emotions (emotional intelligence) and maintaining harmonious working relationships are also highly sought after skills today.
Other Soft Skills
Soft skills have always been essential for work, but they have become more crucial in the new work environment. Soft skills such as thinking critically and collaborating with others to work on projects are in high demand by employers. Negotiation skills and the ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances are also needed to excel in the new workplace. There has been so much change in the workplace recently, and change will likely continue to be part of the new work environment. It is the workers that can quickly adapt to the evolving needs of the workplace that will progress and excel.
Conclusion
The new work environment has necessitated the need for employees to be equipped with specific skills. Though our list above is not exhaustive, we highlighted some of the skills required from employees to function effectively in this changing workspace. It is the responsibility of those seeking employment to ensure that they hone these skills and attributes if they would like to be considered for the scarce jobs in high demand. Some of these skills can be developed by taking online courses and reading books on the topics. Of course, other skills are needed at this time. We would like to hear your views on the different skills and attributes you believe that potential employees need to possess in today’s job market. Please post your comments below to continue the conversation.
References
McGunagle, D. & Zizka, L. (2020). Employability skills for 21st-century STEM students: the employers’ perspective, Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 10( 3), 591-606. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-10-2019-0148
Rios, J. A., Ling, G., Pugh, R., Becker, D., & Bacall, A. (2020). Identifying Critical 21st-Century Skills for Workplace Success: A Content Analysis of Job Advertisements. Educational Researcher, 49(2), 80–89. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X19890600