The future-proof skillset: what employers are looking for in 2024

The key skillsets employers are looking for

1. Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a priceless quality that involves recognising, understanding, and handling not just your own emotions but also those of the people you interact with. It’s all about being in tune with your feelings and the emotions of those around you, and it doesn’t require a fancy degree – just a healthy dose of self-awareness, great people skills, and the ability to keep your own emotions in check.

People who possess high emotional intelligence are better equipped to make smart decisions, nurture positive working relationships, and smoothly navigate the complex dynamics of social interactions – skills that are pure gold in any workplace.

Referred to as EQ – it has become a top priority for employers today, and here’s why:

• Enhanced communication and collaboration: EQ signals a capacity to communicate and collaborate effectively. People with high EQ excel in understanding and responding to the needs and emotions of others, making them invaluable team players.
• Conflict resolution: Those with strong EQ can have superior conflict resolution skills. They can navigate challenging situations with finesse, promoting a harmonious work environment.
• Leadership and management Excellence: EQ is essential for anyone aspiring to leadership or management roles. It empowers individuals to lead with empathy and inspire their teams to achieve greatness.
• Adaptability and agility: In our ever-evolving workplaces, EQ demonstrates adaptability and agility. It’s a vital asset for those who can swiftly adjust to changing circumstances and thrive in dynamic environments.
• Stress management and relatability: EQ equips individuals to manage stress effectively and connect with colleagues, customers, and the market on a deeper level. It fosters resilience and empathy, enhancing overall job performance.

2. Technological literacy

The ever-changing tech landscape has shifted employer priorities, moving away from an obsession with the minutiae of specific programs and instead emphasising a foundational level of technological literacy.

This literacy entails a fundamental grasp of how technology operates and the ability to quickly adapt and become proficient in various software, programs, or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools as needed.

Certainly, possessing specific technical skills remains crucial to stay competitive in the job market. Whether it’s mastering the essentials of Microsoft Office or understanding the dynamics of social media and other digital marketing tools, the broader your business tech expertise, the more valuable you become to potential employers.

3. Agility

Change is the name of the game in today’s business world. Companies must constantly evolve to align with cultural and industry developments, and the pace of change is accelerating. In this landscape, having employees who can adapt and thrive in the face of change is essential.

As a prospective employee, your capacity to showcase your agility when confronted with challenges, organisational shifts, or evolving customer demands is an asset. Your ability to pivot and embrace change can set you apart.

Here are some tangible ways in which an agile employee can bring immense value to their team and organisation:

• Swift problem solving: Agile employees excel at solving problems on the fly. They can quickly assess a situation and devise innovative solutions.
• Efficient resource utilisation: They make the most of available resources, ensuring optimal efficiency even in rapidly changing circumstances.
• Adaptable learning: Agile individuals have a knack for picking up new skills and knowledge swiftly, making them versatile assets in any role.
• Collaborative teamwork: They thrive in collaborative environments, fostering teamwork and cohesion among colleagues when navigating change.
• Customer-centric approach: Agile employees can adjust their focus to meet evolving customer needs, enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.
• Resilience in uncertainty: They maintain composure and resilience in uncertain times, reassuring their team and helping the organisation weather storms.

4. Resilience

Setbacks are an inevitable aspect of both work and life in general. Resilience, the capacity to effectively handle, bounce back from, and even thrive in the face of adversity, is a vital quality. As an employee, your ability to demonstrate resilience serves as a reassuring signal to potential employers. It signifies that you possess a combination of hard and soft skills necessary to:

Resisting deadline pressure

Working to tight deadlines are highly pressured situations. Being able to resist succumbing to the pressure will help you prioritise tasks, delegate when required and communicate clearly to ensure the job gets done.

Coping with setback

A project will encounter unexpected issues. A team member will leave the team. A client will add extra demands. Strong levels of resilience will allow you to better take these setbacks in your stride and adjust course and approach when necessary.

Dealing with constructive feedback

Even resilient people don’t enjoy receiving constructive feedback, but they are better positioned to receive constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow and improve.

Identifying opportunities with change

Whether your company is navigating a significant restructure, or the market undergoes noticeable shifts, your resilience as an employee is your compass in these dynamic landscapes. It equips you to not only weather the storms but also to recognise the silver linings hidden within the changing conditions.

Separating personal setbacks

Setbacks and challenges don’t confine themselves to the office or worksite; they can spill into your personal life, affecting your concentration, motivation, and productivity at work. Resilient employees, however, possess the skills to effectively navigate these personal hurdles.

5. Proactiveness

The distinction between a good employee and a great employee lies in their approach to their job. Good employees fulfill the basic requirements of their job. They meet expectations and perform their assigned tasks competently and reliably.

On the other hand, great employees go above and beyond the strict requirements of their role. They exhibit proactivity by taking the initiative to solve problems and identifying opportunities for additional involvement and assistance. Proactive employees stand out for several reasons.

Firstly, they actively seek solutions to challenges rather than waiting for issues to escalate. Secondly, they are self-starters who don’t need constant supervision; they take the lead in their work. Furthermore, they contribute not only to their individual tasks but also to the overall success of the team by identifying opportunities for improvement and collaboration. Their proactive approach adds value to the organisation, making them highly prized in the competitive job market of 2024.

Being proactive isn’t just about impressing the boss; it’s about being a valuable and effective member of the team. In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, proactive employees are instrumental in driving success and innovation within an organisation.

Got the skills? Now, let’s land the job.

Scotford Fennessy has been in the Perth-based recruitment game for over 20 years. We are intimately in touch with the shifting demands and requirements of employers and pride ourselves on the ability to connect the right candidate with the right organisation.

If you’d like to get in touch with our team to discuss how to leverage your invaluable and future-proof skillsets or you’d like to apply for a specific role, make sure to check out our jobs portal today.