As of last month, it was reported that close to nine million people in the U.S. were unemployed and seeking work. With statistics like that, it’s important to stay ahead of the game and get the inside track on what employers are looking for in their next hire.
In our experience working with Fortune 500 companies, we noticed some trends in the workplace and which skills have become a top priority in potential candidates.
Communication | We’re looking at you, IT.
With an incredible rise of opportunities continuing in the tech industry, it seems like an easy task to find the critical skills in any potential candidate. However, the CTOs and tech leaders of the world are seeking those who can also peek out from behind their screens to carry on a conversation or present to any leader up the ladder. Companies with the right approach have teams like Project Management, Communications, Training, and Technology working together for successful adoption and implementation. If you want to develop in this area and make a lasting impression, go the extra mile by looking for certifications or presentation workshops. Even something as simple as brushing up on your interpersonal skills with friends and coworkers can get you noticed at your next interview.
Collaboration | Quality over quantity.
Collaboration is a word that has spread like wildfire throughout most companies, but what does it really mean and are you good at it? This goes beyond inviting everyone to the table to share their ideas – it’s more about how employees in the room are connecting. Today, there is a large focus on different personalities in a team, how everyone works together, and there is a harmonious balance of ideas, action, and emotional intelligence. To learn more about your strengths and struggles, reach out to former colleagues, ask a mentor, or take part in Mission Recruit’s assessment through Human Design. Learning from people in your past or discovering how to work with all types of personalities will make you an ideal candidate.
Open-Minded | Roll with the punches.
It can certainly feel like a punch when what you’re working on is changed – or worse – cancelled at the last minute. This happens in companies all the time where a shift needs to be made, and it’s all about making sure your work is aligned with organizational priorities. There are few things less frustrating in the workforce, but companies are invested in finding top candidates who can roll with the punches. This allows them to follow the task at hand and redefine or produce a better outcome in the future. Take a step back and think about situations in the past and how you could have improved them by being more open-minded.
Reskilling | The best for last.
We all know that the one constant in any role is change. The way we work, interact, and the things we create are all changing slowly – or much too quickly – over time. Across the board, the list of qualities employers want in top candidates all points back to a term called “reskilling.” It’s about hiring someone who is resilient and adaptable to a new environment or set of skills. Granted, 50% of the success in reskilling will come from the employer who needs to provide adequate training and resources. However, the willingness and determination will need to come from you.
Finding a job in today’s world is so different from where it was years ago. Fortune 500 companies – and really any employer – is looking for transferable skills like the ones we mentioned. If you’re on the hunt for your next employer, take the time to reflect on the qualities you can offer outside your technical skills. This will surely make you stand out from the crowd and let your future leaders know, you’re one in a million.
