Many prospective employers have shifted their focus to skill based recruiting by varying degrees. With the dramatic changes in technology and gaps in particular highly sought out professions, the shift does make sense. There are certain skills in demand that will likely always make the list like communications and project management while some others may surprise you.  Start sharpening your skills today so you are prepared to land your next dream job.

Manage Hybrid Role 

Considering the increasing shift in hybrid roles as an outcome of the pandemic, people had to learn how to work differently. Maintaining the discipline to work from a home office and flexibility to adapt from the home to the onsite office is vital. Working from home provides you with greater independence and more decision making. You are essentially directing yourself, managing your priorities and overcoming the distractions of working from home part of the time. 

Cybersecurity Skills in Demand

With cyber attacks and data breaches on the rise and the potential costs to companies with vulnerabilities, security specialists serve a vital role. These attacks can cripple an organization. Preventative measures are essential and the ability to act quickly when a company is compromised is imperative to survival. 

Communication 

It is no surprise that strong communication skills continue to be in high demand. The ability to communicate with staff at every level is a critical skill. Being able to convey a clear and concise message, influence others and gain the respect of team members is something prospective employers truly value. The use of AI with written communications can be incredibly helpful however you want to use it as a tool, and tailoring your communications will continue to be expected. 

Project Management 

Those with strong project management skills are very valuable to an organization. If you think about it, the ability to manage projects successfully says a lot about your overall skill set. You need to be able to lead a team, foster collaboration, have strong organizational, problem solving and technological skills. An effective project manager can look at the big picture, manage resources and prioritize in moving towards achieving strategic objectives. So, the ability to demonstrate project managements skills is highly desirable to be a viable candidate. 

Healthcare Skills

There is a decline in healthcare professionals and the skill is in high demand today. The healthcare industry is increasingly hiring traveling nurses and other healthcare professional paying high salaries to secure and retain these talented professionals. During and post pandemic, many skilled healthcare professionals have moved into other career paths. Providing quality healthcare and the ability to display empathy are essential in these roles. 

Consider how you can strengthen your skills in demand within some of the key areas that are important to prospective employers. Possibly volunteer to manage a strategic project or be a team member so you can learn from the project leader and strengthen those key skills. Perhaps you will then be ready to lead the next project. The experience is invaluable and will serve you well in future roles. Certain skills are important across most roles. You want to make sure you have sharpened those skills and demonstrate them to help you stand out when seeking new opportunities.