Want To Step Up Your Professional Game? Here Are 7 Skills To Acquire In 2020
It’s almost the fourth month of 2020, and here we are, locked up in our homes due to Coronavirus, the pandemic that has claimed thousands of lives all over the world. This unfortunate incident has not only put a break on our fast-paced lives but has also given us time to think about our actions and introspect.
In the meanwhile, mostly all private-sector employees are busy snuggling in their blankets while working from home. Sure, relaxing a bit is essential; however, spending this time wisely is all the more critical, especially for those looking to switch jobs in the future or for the ones on the lookout for new opportunities to kick start their career.
No matter if it’s an employee-driven job market, the competition is fierce, and you need to stand out of the crowd and prove your worth to your favorite employer. Having detailed knowledge about your subject and staying up to date with the latest industry trends and technology is one thing: selling yourself is another. Let’s admit it, everyone does that, but it’s the latter that helps you shine.
According to a 2019 LinkedIn survey of 300 hiring managers in the U.S, 92% of them agree that it’s your soft skills that can put you at the top of the list.
Keeping all this in mind, we have come up with a list of the most critical soft skills to learn in 2020 during your quarantine to present your best foot forward. These are the most in-demand skills for the future (no matter the industry), and honing them will help you climb the ladder of success.
- Creativity
Gone are the days when employers hired candidates who were content with the status quo. The world around us is continually evolving, and to keep up with the advancements, recruiters have shifted their focus towards those candidates who can stay ahead of the curve and help the organization to grow and innovate in the coming times.
“Candidates possessing innovative qualities and experience contribute to a successful company, directly impacting work culture, business practices, market position and returns on investment, among others,” writes William Craig in an article for Forbes.
So, think twice the next time before pitching yourself as a non-creative person. Instead, explore yourself and get connected with your creative abilities now!
- Time Management
If you are to believe the statistics, an average employee wastes around 8 hours each workweek on tasks that are unrelated to their job. And, this lost productivity burns a hole in the pocket of employers. In 2012, that wasted time cost U.S employers a massive $134 billion in the failed effort.
Disturbing, right?
If that’s the scenario, you can imagine how desperately employers are now seeking candidates who can perform multiple tasks under a strict deadline. And, at the same time, can ignore all those workplace distractions!
So, why not take up some free online courses for time management and make the most of your time?
- Communication
Well, you can say it is one of the highest paying skills in 2020. If you are an excellent communicator and a good presenter, chances are you might draw a handsome salary package because of it.
Regardless of the industry you’re in, you must communicate effectively with others, and this will draw the employers towards you. You see, it works as an icing on the cake most of the time!
With reference to a 2018 survey of 1000 employers, communication topped their list of skills when looking to hire graduates from business school campuses.
- Complex Problem Solving
As complex as it might sound, but this is one of the essential skills to learn in 2020. Most of you might be wondering what precisely complex problem solving means. It is referred to as the ability to solve the unprecedented, complex problems in a landscape where every minute counts.
Worry not because this is not something one is born with. Almost all of us have to learn them by investing considerable amounts of time and energy. It is built on a strong foundation of critical and lateral thinking, and this can be achieved by playing video-games.
Pretty impressive, no? So, grab that game of yours today and learn as much as you can!
- Emotional Intelligence
Although Emotional Intelligence is a new skill to learn in 2020, the fact that it goes hand in hand with higher productivity is not unknown.
Those on the higher end of emotional intelligence can handle stress well or altogether avoid it completely. So, when the mind is clear, you are better able to concentrate on work, which thereby means enhanced productivity.
To get started with it, browse from the list of courses available online. Take them up and find out where you lack. And you can maybe take inspiration from the people in your life to fill that void.
- Adaptability
Any change is undoubtedly severe. However, we cannot ignore the rapid pace of things evolving around us. That said, if you are someone who takes time to accept the changes and adapt to it, well, you might be in some trouble there.
That’s the last thing recruiters are looking for. So, grab that book on change and get inspired!
- Collaboration
Good, you can work best at an individual level. However, that’s not all keeping in mind today’s working environment. Today, no industry doesn’t require employees to come together and working as a team. Thanks to the technological advancements and updates taking place.
So, what you thought of something you could pull off on your own, actually requires teamwork. And, learning how to work cross-functionally is the need of the hour.
Don’t forget to be patient and understanding!
These skills mentioned above are crucial to enhance your personality and stand apart in today’s corporate environment, especially when the economic slowdown is anticipated in the near future. So, it’s in your best interest to invest your time learning the top skills of 2020, and you’ll have nothing to worry about. Happy learning!