Whether you've been faithful to one industry or you're prone to pivoting, there are specific soft skills that will excite any future employer.
Of course, being a punctual, adaptable, hardworking, team-playing candidate, you'll be familiar with the classics, right? But, according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, there are a number of emerging, in-demand soft skills that companies are expected to develop in their employees by 2025.
Get up to speed with these transferable soft skills, and you'll be head and shoulders above other candidates when applying for your next job.
Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation
Reasoning is the ability to identify, analyse, and solve problems. It shows you're sharp at critical thinking, creative and resourceful. Employers value problem-solving skills because they want employees who can think on their feet, process information, and quickly and effectively find solutions.
Polishing your reasoning, problem-solving, and ideation skills involves practice, learning, and creativity. Work on your critical thinking skills and observe how top leaders and role models problem-solve and make decisions. Seek challenges and tasks outside your comfort zone to push your limits.
Technology use, monitoring, and control
Being tech-savvy isn't just desirable. It's essential. Even if you don't sit in front of a screen most of the day, it's important to be tech literate in almost any industry. For instance, your company may require you to use online timekeeping systems, respond to an online survey or have online meetings now and again.
Improve your tech skills by identifying areas to develop. Then, experiment and practice or, better still, take advantage of any training opportunities and get help from tech-minded colleagues.
Resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility
Yes, you've got to be made of strong stuff; employers want agile staff who can roll with the punches and thrive when the going gets tough. We are in a time when change abounds, whether it be changes in the external environment, changes in the economy, competition or technology.
Becoming more resilient involves acknowledging and accepting what you can control in your work environment. Set realistic goals and cultivate a growth mindset so you can overcome roadblocks. Embracing change and seeing it as a positive challenge will help you adapt and come out on top.
Analytical thinking and innovation
When you're faced with a problem, challenge or overkill of information, employers want you to face it head-on rather than step back in fear. Analytical thinking and innovation involve breaking down complex information, identifying patterns and trends, and then using that to create new ideas.
Developing strong analytical thinking and innovation skills involves ongoing learning and a willingness to challenge assumptions and explore new ideas. Practice evaluating arguments, seek out diverse perspectives and foster your creativity by partaking in activities that excite your imagination.
Active learning and learning strategies
Active learning relates to how you take on information and new experiences. If you sit back and passively listen without interaction, it's time to start actively learning.
Employers want candidates who excel at learning strategy scenarios like project-based research, training programs and group discussions. Being an active learner involves participation in hands-on activities, problem-solving and reflection. Active learning strategies can help you hone all types of soft skills, be it knowledge retention, critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation.
If you are open to new opportunities, contact a recruitment agency like Trojan Recruitment Group and receive advice from the experts in labour-hire, permanent and contract staff.
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