You probably know by now just how drastically COVID-19 changed the way you live and work overnight. So, companies have adopted a changing mindset for what they are looking for in a candidate.
The modern workplace is now wholly dependent on digitizing business operations as employees do remote work. Businesses have realized particular competencies are essential to continue operations during the current crisis. So specific digital, adaptive, social, and cognitive skills have gained importance.
There are 7 essential skills that job seekers such as yourself need to focus on developing. Let’s take a look at what these are.
Although digitization of businesses was apparent even before the current crisis, COVID-19 is now fast-tracking it. The “Future of Work in the MENA” survey conducted by Bayt.com can vouch for that. Respondents predicted technological/computer skills (94%) as one of the top 3 skills for job seekers in the next 10 years. The other two are communication (91%) and creative thinking (91%).
Companies are leveraging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain to automize their work. The world is currently experiencing its 4th Industrial Revolution, which describes the fusion of digital and physical worlds. This period does not just signify an investment in technology but also in people who understand this technology.
As such, you need to have at least a basic knowledge of these platforms or tools to work in a fast-paced working environment effectively. Some technological skills in particular that are trending in the job market include designing and programming.
With your knowledge of such high-demand skills, you will seamlessly fit into the rapidly digitized workforce. As a result, companies will give you higher priority than other candidates.
Despite the digital transformation, times like these also call for an emphasis on strong human connections. It goes not just for professional ties within the company but also with customers.
That is why many companies are assessing job candidates today on both IQ and EQ. EQ refers to your ability to express and control your emotions and understand others’ emotions. EQ is crucial for maintaining good relations with colleagues, managers, customers, and investors.
Your emotional intelligence goes hand-in-hand with your social skills. This sort of advanced communication is necessary to eliminate the gaps or issues in the workflow that arise from remote working. It will allow you to engage in effective collaboration and communication with your far-off colleagues and clients.
So keep working on your communicative skills and emotional intelligence to drive change and build relationships. Your strong EQ will give you a competitive edge over others as all organizations find this skill particularly valuable.
The Bayt.com Job Index survey shows good communication skills in English and Arabic (60%) are the most sought-after skills by employers in 2021.
Automation may help with work efficiency, but it is not enough for a business in crisis mode. You may have seen the negative impact of COVID-19 in the form of many companies shutting down.
One of the mistakes these companies made is depending on short-term solutions. An innovation-led growth plan will have lasting consequences for the companies in the years to come. So, the time has come for organizations to stop playing it safe.
Companies need to come up with new products and new ways to sell those products. For instance, doctors are now making diagnoses and offering consultations on video conferencing platforms like Zoom.
Companies are therefore looking for prospective candidates with a knack for innovation. Creative thinking skills equip you with the mindset needed to help you think outside the box. Companies recognize that such skilled candidates are ideal for guiding their company through trials and tribulations.
So creative skills are no longer restricted to creative professions. Even in the business landscapes, they come in handy.
As said before, the digital age is rapidly expanding its roots to all aspects of your lives, including work. Almost all companies have turned digital, which is opening up several opportunities in the area.
There is a huge demand for professionals with developed digital skills like coding, programming, web development, and digital marketing. Companies want to use such skilled professionals to keep their online businesses running and thriving.
Even if you apply for a job outside of the IT field, these skills will guarantee you a position among top candidates.
Data is crucial for the functioning of a business. Through data reports, companies can draw out meaningful insights to understand what the future holds for them.
These data analytics also show trends in the market that influence their next plan of action. They can find out what range of new products and services the target market will find helpful in this era. Companies recognize the significance this data carries and therefore require every employee to be data literate.
With data literacy, you can become appealing prospects to employers looking to hire people who can make sense of the data. It is not just data analysts who require these skills. Analyzing data requires all team members to work together and find solutions.
You do not need to know hardcore data science, but having a basic foundation in it will come in handy. Consider this skill essential if you want to participate and contribute to a “data” economy.
The rapid pace of the workflow after entering the digital post-COVID-19 era calls for adaptive and flexible people.
This era has seen many companies where every day was a struggle of putting out fires from post-COVID aftershocks. Moreover, digital transformation is an ever-evolving process as more advanced technologies come out. Remote working is now bound to become the new normal for the next few years.
With so many changes taking place, employers prefer to have employees who can quickly adapt to these situations. It means you should be capable of working under pressure, multitasking, taking on new deadlines, and prioritizing projects. You will also have to go beyond the job role and take on additional responsibilities.
Job seekers will have to enter the job market with an open mindset about working in such a demanding environment. You can use this experience to educate yourself and update your skills continuously.
Leadership skills are not just for managers; it is also for you to lead your colleagues in the right direction. When working remotely with other people, companies find it hard to maintain morale and productivity.
That is where they expect their employees to take the lead. You should be able to initiate conversations about new strategies on how to improve business processes. Also, be aware of how to proactively look for ways to inspire and encourage your team members.
When you display strong leadership skills, you win the approval of your company! Chances are you will work your way up to a core position within the organization.
Now that you know which skills you need to develop, the question arises – how do you acquire them?
Lucky for you, there are endless options of free or pocket-friendly courses for skill training available online. You can learn all of these skills right from the comfort of your home!
Enroll in courses like Bayt Courses. Bayt.com offers intensive courses at different levels depending on your current skillset. You can also do online assessments to certify your skills for companies that ask for skill training proof.
This easy access is a more feasible option than spending years on studies that do not come cheap.
Bayt.com is also a job site. So, once you acquire the required skills, post your CV on the site. If you complete the assessment successfully, the site automatically adds your certification to your CV.
Such job sites cut down on your time and money of doing a course and scouting for job opportunities separately. The “Future of Work in the MENA” survey had 60% of respondents saying online job boards and career websites will be the most reliable job-seeking source in the future.
The modern workplace is evolving and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. As a result, companies require skilled talent as a part of their team. So, whatever role you apply for, focus on fundamental skills that allow you to adapt, creatively innovate and function remotely.
This lockdown period should not be viewed as a further obstacle in your race to getting the best job in the market. Instead, you can see it as an opportunity to challenge yourself professionally and learn more skills.
The best part about it all is that the digital world has made it possible for you to do online courses. With online skill learning, you will be able to stand out even in a tight job market and get your dream job!
