The year 2020 is going to be remembered as a distinct year because of the paradigm shift it has brought to the world. Every element of the ecosystem has seen fundamental changes, especially business operations and jobs which have changed drastically. With the global pandemic creating and enforcing new strategies to keep the wheels turning, remote work became the norm. Some companies embraced the remote work model and will keep it full-time, while others hope to get back to on-site work again in 2021. However, the shift to remote work taught them a lot of lessons about what it takes to make a great employee in the new normal. Where you live has ALMOST become irrelevant to the job market.
If you’re looking for a way to set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates during your next job search, you need to think beyond your degree and your certifications and more toward the top job skills employers want in 2021. Most people who apply for a position have the nuts-and-bolts training required to do the job. If the required education, technical skills and training is not enough to land you a new position, then what skills are employers focusing on in 2021? Brush up on these 5 soft skills in 2021 that recruiters and hiring managers will be looking for in top candidates.
- Creativity
According to career site LinkedIn, which examined data from its users, as well as more than 20 million job postings, to create its list of the most in-demand jobs skills for 2020, creativity topped the list. LinkedIn also noted that “organizations need people who can creatively approach problems and tasks across all business roles, from software engineering to HR.” Stay tuned for our next article highlighting creativity as the number one ‘soft skill’ you need to compete in today’s market. - Collaboration
Remote work does not translate to flying solo. Employees should embrace the use of in-house company tools available to them such as an instant messaging system, email, Zoom, calendaring, Slack or phone system to facilitate communication. Embracing collaboration and thinking about it proactively as you begin projects shows hiring managers that while you may be working alone in your home, you’re still a team player. - Emotional Intelligence
The ability to stay in tune with your own emotions and the emotions of those around you is more valuable than ever and is why it’s an important soft skill for 2021. The days of “leave your problems at the door when logging in to work” are gone. From acknowledging your own emotions to having empathy for the emotions of your co-workers and clients, emotional intelligence will help you be a “people person” without having to be an extrovert. - Adaptability
Things are changing faster than ever! According to economictimes.com 2020 pushed technology adoption by 4X and this is going to largely shape the future of skill requirements as well. As technology evolves, we’re finding new ways to use it. That means the old “We’ve always done it this way!” attitude is nothing but dead weight on your career. You need to be adaptable to new technology, new collaborations, and new philosophies to succeed in 2021. - Continuous Learning
One of the main skills that employers will want in employees is a continuous learning mindset. Employers love to hear that candidates enjoy learning because it’s necessary in a business world where change and growth are happening at remarkable speed. Those who don’t embrace learning new things will be left behind.
Now that you know some of the highly sought-after soft skills and traits you will need to be successful in the new normal, it’s time to get to work. But remember, you don’t just need to boost your skills — you have to advertise them. Are you ready to update you resume highlighting your new skillset? Reach out to our team of top resume writing experts who can help you update your resume.
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