Key skills are often the most under-rated section of an individuals CV and can often be quite repetitious and generic from applicant to applicant. Do you really have the key work skills an employer wants? We break down the skills you NEED to have to ensure you stand out from the crowd.
Communciation
There is a great deal more to having great communication than knowing how to speak. Do you know how to use the correct punctuation and grammar? Are you able to change the tone of your communication dependent on who you're addressing? For example, a letter written to a CEO would have a different tone to a letter you may write to your customers or a fellow colleague. Are you able to communicate effectively via digital means? i.e via email. Communication skills should be listed as the first key skill you have and every step necessary needs to be taken to ensure your communication skills are to a good standard. #Communication
TIP 1
"The Key Skills section is one of the most IMPORTANT sections of an applicants CV and is the one area that quite quickly separates an expert from an novice; particularly in the interview stages. So it's vital that the skills you share are TRUE and areas you're truly competent in. "
Teamwork
There is definitely no I in Team and being able to work competently and confidently in a team setting is vital to most if not all roles in some capacity or another. It is vital that an employer can depend on you to be a constructive and contributing member of their workforce who is always open to working closely with others to reach a common goal.
If you know for certain that you don't like working with others and work better independently then do your best to seek roles where the majority of the work you do is dependent predominantly on you working on your own and using your own initiative. #Teamwork
ICT
Whether you like it or not, are a techno lover or techno-phobe there really is no denying that computers make up pretty much most of our social and professional lives. 20+ years ago you could easily gain employment within a field that didn't require the use of a computer. However, fast forward to today and more or less, every job utilise the use of computer software's to fulfil a particular area of the role.
Of course, you don't need to be the next Bill Gates but you do however need to be reasonably proficient in a number of ICT software. These include: Microsoft Office which includes the packages Word (wordprocessing), Excel (spreadsheets), Outlook (emails) and PowerPoint (Presentations).
Obsessed with social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook? This could come very handy in your next position as employers are becoming more and more interested in candidates who can manoeuvre around these sites with ease and can be called upon to perhaps Instagram a pic at a corporate function or update the gallery on the company Facebook page.
TIP 2
"Concerned that you don't have some of the skills you need? Visit e-learning tools like Udemy or Reed courses which provide 100's of affordable and easier to navigate courses are made to help you develop your professional skills. "
Leadership
Employers are more determined than ever to hire staff who're not afraid to take the lead, makes decisions and use their own initiative to gain the right results. Set your intentions to be look for opportunities and openings within your organisation where you can actively demonstrate your ideas and experience. The more you step up to challenges and present yourself as a capable member of the your workforce, the more you will be considered for promotion opportunities and further development opportunities such as being supported to access in-house professional development courses.
This of course is not an exhaustive list of the essential key skills employers want but if you really want to make your mark, work on mastering them for a more likely success rate within your current or next career opportunity.
By| womenwhoslay @womenwhoslay