LinkedIn recently released some very interesting data that revealed the most in-demand soft and hard skills of 2020.
With many of the ‘in demand’ hard skills not existing 10 years ago, job hunters need to be adaptable and creative if they are to develop their career.
From swatting up on emerging tech to discovering the best ways to collaborate, if you learn some of these in-demand skills it may help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.
So, whether you’re currently studying at university or you’re a recent graduate, take a look at some of the top skills that recruiters are looking for.
Soft Skills
When applying for graduate roles, understanding what soft skills companies are looking for can be hugely beneficial.
Soft skills are essential interpersonal skills that will determine your ability to get things done and discover new opportunities.
Take a look at some of the top trending soft skills for 2020…
1. Creativity
Coming in at number one for the second-year running is creativity. Organisations are always looking to employ graduates who can approach problems with creativity and introduce new ideas to the business. Whether you’re a software engineer or a lab-based scientist, being creative plays a large part of working life so if you can showcase this skill, you’re sure to impress recruiters.
2. Persuasion
Perhaps one of the most important soft skills to learn if you are looking to progress your career quickly, having good persuasive skills can help you achieve your goals. Practice your communication and pitching skills so you’re in a good position to introduce new ideas and persuade managers that they are worth taking note of.
3. Collaboration
The third top trending soft skills that companies are looking for from candidates is collaboration. When working on projects or towards goals, collaborative teams will achieve much more than individuals. That’s why this is such an important skill to learn and utilize.
4. Adaptability
One of the best ways to deal with new situations, new challenges and stressful scenarios is to be good at adapting. Employers will be impressed if you can embrace change and learn how to thrive in all sorts of circumstances.
5. Emotional intelligence
The final skill in the top five is all down to your ability to view, evaluate and react to your emotions and the emotions of those around you. Again, it comes down to effective communication and learning how to deal with different personalities.
Hard Skills
As well as soft skills, there are a number of hard skills that are essential to securing certain graduate jobs.
You won’t be surprised that many of these hard skills are vital to careers in the STEM industry. With technology and innovation at the forefront of investment in the UK, there is an ever-growing demand for graduate talent.
1. Blockchain
Linked to cryptocurrency, Blockchain first came into being in 2009. Since then, this emerging tech has allowed for digital assets to be securely stored and sent across the internet. If you have learnt about Blockchain and are looking at careers in tech, you’ll already be in demand.
2. Cloud Computing
Next up is last years number one trending hard skill, cloud computing. Most companies are now built and run on the cloud, so they are always looking for graduates with skills that will help them to innovate and improve their knowledge.
3. Analytical Reasoning
Data is a huge part of everyday business. Companies are constantly on the lookout for candidates who have the skills to understand, interpret and explain data. So, if you’re analytical, you’re off to a good start.
4. Artificial Intelligence
Businesses are always looking to new technology that will help them to innovate and stay ahead of their competitors. Many companies now use AI, machine learning and natural language processing to augment the capabilities of the human workforce.
