Seemingly, without fail, every New Years Day (or week) there are tons of articles and posts, online, which speak to changes we all should consider making now the new year has arrived. These often encompass upgrading your skills to get a promotion or a better job.
While you, personally, may know what skills you believe you should consider upgrading, or new skills you’ve thought about learning which could provide a salary raise, a promotion or qualify you for a better job, New Years isn’t the only time you should consider making these changes. In today’s unique and ever-changing world it’s necessary to update your resume and skills to be prepared for anything. Even a shutdown you have no control over.
For example:
You see or hear rumblings of major changes on the horizon at the company you work for.
If the company you work for:
* Is in the throes of downsizing but keeping it on the down-low;
* Word on the street – another company has made overtures about buying them out or a merger;
* Perhaps you’ve even heard gossip about a shutdown from competitors you know or those at the top of the food chain.
If you’ve heard any of these things but haven’t yet taken any steps to upgrade your skills, start now – this very minute – seriously considering and determining which skills you should upgrade; or exactly which new ones you may want to head back to school/college to become degreed or certified in.
On the other hand, you may be thinking – none of those things could possibly happen at the company I work for.
No sir. No Ma’am. Not happening at the company I work for. They’re solid. A highly successful company who’s been around for decades. They are a by-the-book company you’re certain would have the courtesy – and professionalism – to notify their employees if something was brewing; potential changes being discussed; the company being sold. Maybe.
All that said –
Don’t wait another minute. Start considering what direction you intend to take to better your life and to prepare for a more advantageous future. Which will also help you comfortably provide for your family’s needs.
First – there’s a wide variety of types of jobs now available. Many of which are trending high and show promise of trending high for years:
• Web, Mobile, Software Development
• Data science and analytics; web analytics
• Computer engineering, Robotics, A.I.
• Engineering (many types)
• Warehousing and manufacturing
• Design and creative jobs – from logo design to videos to corporate marketing
• Writing jobs – content, blogs, white papers (tons of jobs always available)
• Legal – covering a wide variety of specialized areas. (This is a growing area with new legal types of jobs being developed daily.)
• Video creation; website design; SEO (search engine optimization)
• Freelance, consulting, independent contracting jobs (available in thousands of different categories.)
• Accounting – from simple business to auditing and more.
• Business management and operations
• App development, code writing
If all of these types of jobs are available, and trending, what types of skills are companies searching for?
According to a recent LinkedIn report, 57% of senior leaders interviewed said ‘soft skills’ were more important than hard skills.
Here are the top 5 soft skills they’ll be looking for in people they hire in 2019 and going forward:
Creativity
While robots are top of the list for organizing old ideas (those already established), companies are looking for new solutions – new ideas which will help companies move forward.
Persuasion – the power to influence and promote products and services, company ideas.
Any company can have the best products and greatest services, however, they need employees on board skilled in explaining the product to potential clients and customers and encouraging them to purchase. This is a new position – different from sales.
Collaborators
In today’s complex world, companies need internal partners who act as teammates and are capable of partnering with a variety of different people with unique personalities and expertise.
Adaptability
It’s no secret companies are racing to produce the best products and services before their competition. Meaning they’re in need of those flexible enough to adjust to the many, and wide, variety of changes and iterations a company will experience in today’s fast-paced world.
Time Management
Included in time management are the ability to – prioritize, to self-motivate and focus. People skilled in time management are usually decision makers, planners and organizers. All valuable skills for all industries and most types of jobs.
Submitted by: Jean L. Serio CEIC, CDI, CPC, CeMA
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