8 Skills Companies Need Most in 2021

The world around is becoming more challenging and so is the labor market. Due to the pandemic, the approach to the perfect employee that any recruiter is looking for has changed.

Sure, the set of qualities of each employee is focused on the needs of a particular company. However, there are competencies that most CEOs want to see in their subordinates. Thus, several key skills will help you succeed in your job search and we’ve gathered 8 of them.

Teamwork

All work processes are closely interconnected even in the smallest companies. Their productivity and success greatly depend on the team spirit and corporate goals. So, a perfect employee has to be friendly and willing to assist their colleagues.

The ability to be a part of a team and work towards a mutual purpose are precisely the competencies that employers look for in job applicants. No doubt, every employer wants their company to be formed of non-confrontational people who know how to communicate in various situations. Thus, the ability to listen, support others and express your opinion for the benefit of the overall result are essential in any career now.

Job applicants often mention these skills in their CVs, but they struggle to support them with examples from their work experience. That is why they turn to resume builder service to get professional help and craft a winning resume. You will greatly raise your chances to land a job with a strong resume in which all your accomplishments are highlighted.

Adaptability

The ability to adapt to new conditions is of paramount importance nowadays. During the pandemic and crisis, significant changes take place at all levels of work organization. It’s not easy for employers to introduce a new employee to the team, train and mentor them remotely.

Besides, more and more companies are outsourcing their functions now. This means that the number of contracted freelancers will grow. These professionals will have to adapt to the corporate cultures of their temporary employers in order to succeed. 

Flexibility

Recruiters sympathize with job seekers who can work alone or as part of a team, quickly adjusting to changing work schedules or locations. The hiring manager can also ask you whether you like learning and trying new things. 

Another important detail for any professional is to be capable of working on several tasks at the same time. Flexibility is also the ability to choose the most optimal path and introduce something new into the workflow.

Moreover, flexibility is closely related to your communication skills. Thus, the ability to change the pattern of behavior depending on the person you speak to will be appreciated.

Creativity

Creativity will be in demand in many industries, from media to programming, experts say. This skill definitely implies a broad interpretation, starting from thinking outside the box to generating new ideas and reshaping the old ones. 

Employers always look for applicants who can find an extraordinary solution in case of a crisis. So, if you are trained to use the new technologies and can use your imagination at the same time, it raises your chances to land a job.

Emotional Intelligence

It seems that the transition to the digital world with AI and machine learning makes us antisocial sometimes. Yet, the ability to recognize other people’s emotions is one of the key skills nowadays.

Basically, emotional intelligence stands for lots of things:

• Managing negative experiences;
• Making better decisions;
• Communicating and discussing problems openly;
• Empathizing with the interlocutor and adapting to their emotions.

Emotional intelligence is of great value since the accomplishments of coworkers who feel each other’s mood are much better. No doubt, a supportive environment in a company is the basis for productive work.

So, candidates who know how to express empathy will definitely catch the recruiter’s attention. Don’t forget about that when you build a resume.

Personal Brand

Underestimating the value of a personal brand is a great mistake of many job applicants. Indeed, in the digital world, one competes not for a specific set of skills, but for a name and reputation. Thus, the way you’ve shown your skills in previous projects literally determines your success in finding a new job.

This decade, the number of online jobs will continue to grow. So, it’s all about the way you present yourself online since employers and candidates are less likely to see each other in person.

Technological Competence

Needless to say, the way you master technology is vital due to the fast-moving progress. Technological competencies include many things, starting from the use of modern applications to automation systems. Automation of processes is needed so that employees can always stay in touch and respond to requests from their leadership really fast.

With the beginning of the pandemic, many employees understood that they simply lacked technological competencies. Some struggled to organize online meetings, conferences, etc. Of course, organizing session rooms, working with Google Docs and making presentations are the most basic skills. Anyway, it’s better to make sure you are really good at them. 

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Leadership Qualities

Not all of us are naturally born leaders. But each person can develop certain qualities. And if you want to succeed, they are necessary. Research shows that people with leadership qualities are more likely to get a pay raise or get promoted.

Leadership skills are not only about the ability to manage a team. It’s about having the courage to: 

• Step outside your comfort zone;
• Take on a new role that will expand your work experience; 
• Be honest and take action.

According to Stephen Covey, the author of «The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People», a leader should:

• Have a proactive attitude;
• Be able to set goals and see the desired result of work;
• Help other co-workers develop their potential;
• Determine priorities and manage conflicts. 

So, when a difficult situation arises, the leader must find a solution that benefits all parties. Besides, a person with such qualities can motivate and inspire others, providing a solid foundation for teamwork.

Final Thoughts

In times of change, not every employer has the time and energy to completely control the work of their subordinates. Therefore, hiring managers look for applicants with self-organization skills. Make sure to mention them when you build a resume.

Of course, independence and time management skills are essential as well.  Any CEO would be glad to hire a professional who can work on their own, turning to leadership if only there is a problem that goes beyond their competence.