Top 10 in-demand soft skills to grow your career in 2023

One could argue that the world has fully transitioned from an industrial age to a knowledge-based economy. The average working-class citizen is expected to understand their job roles, manage their emotions intelligently, and connect with others wherever they go. Not only that, but employees are expected to step up their game by learning hard skills, such as technical know-how, as well as soft skills, such as communication and leadership, in order to survive in today's job market.?

Employers are looking for people who have soft skills that cannot be taught in school or at work but are necessary for getting the right jobs. The working environment is no longer about who gets the job done; it is now about who can profit the organisation.?

Do you want to advance your career faster? Here are some of the in-demand skills that can help you stand out in the job market.

1.?Communication skills

Every job requires you to be able to express your ideas in a clear, organised, and relevant manner. Many employees struggle with the fundamentals, such as speaking clearly in public and writing "thank you" notes or emails. In fact, most managers say that the most significant disadvantage they see in job candidates is a lack of communication skills. It's a major problem when your boss doesn't trust you to lead a meeting or represent the company. These tasks can be delegated to anyone on the team, and you don't want to be caught off guard.

2.?Time and Project management?

Organizations require workers to be organised and efficient - how many hours of work, commuting, or sleeping are required? These three activities consume a significant portion of our waking hours; therefore, it is critical that we make effective use of our time so that employers can trust us to do our jobs well.?

The true key to success is organisational excellence, which no organisation can achieve without effective project management. It is a high one for people with exceptional project management skills because they can literally change the face of any organisation that hires them.

3.?Innovation

In today's competitive business environment, where businesses are constantly fighting for survival, the ability to think outside the box can make or break a company. Employers are constantly on the lookout for employees who can solve existing problems and develop new products and services to attract customers. This includes the ability to think creatively when faced with a challenge - an employee who approaches a problem from a fresh perspective rather than falling back on old habits.

4.?Intercultural sensitivity

Intercultural sensitivity is becoming increasingly important as more companies begin to invest heavily overseas because it enables effective communication with people who think and speak differently. Understanding different cultures and recognising differences and similarities allows people to interact more effectively and form meaningful relationships.

5.??Personal responsibility and initiative?

Employers want to be sure employees are dependable – that they can rely on the employee not only to perform their job well but also to complete assignments within deadlines and follow through with their commitments.?

Also, employers prefer employees who take the initiative to try new things and come up with unique solutions and ideas, as well as provide feedback on ways to improve work processes. You tend to portray yourself as a leader in your organisation by taking action rather than simply following directions without adding value.

6. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making?

Analytical skills may be obsolete, but being able to think on your feet and use solid reasoning skills when problems arise are qualities that employers look for in employees because they can mean the difference between success and failure. When situations arise, you should be able to think critically and quickly.?

Professionals who excel at problem-solving and decision-making tasks are in high demand because these are the soft skills that can help you save time and energy while achieving your professional goals. Whether you want to be a project manager or a career consultant, problem-solving and decision-making skills will be crucial to your success.

7. Thriving in a virtual environment?

Job applicants will soon need to be experts at working virtually or remotely. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to remain visible while working remotely. Offering a critical skill set, collaborating across teams, leveraging tech tools, providing impeccable responsiveness, and being aligned with key business priorities can all lead to increased visibility in the workplace.?

So, the next time you apply for a job, make sure that soft skills like communication and interpersonal skills are current in your resume and with you as an individual. You'll be well on your way to a comfortable six-figure salary.

8. Resilience and integrity?

Employers are looking for people who can recover quickly from mistakes or failures and who aren't easily discouraged when things aren't going well. Employees who can maintain control and continue to work toward the organization's goals in the face of adversity are always in demand.?

9.?Efficiency?

Being efficient simply means doing things better and faster, and being able to complete tasks in less time and effort than others. This can result in cost savings for the company, making it an important skill for employees to possess.

10. Teamwork and relationship management?

Employers want people who are easy to work with, who can contribute positively to the organization's civilization while performing effectively in their line of work. The ability of an employee to fit into a team is also important - do they have good social skills? Are they friendly with their coworkers, clients, and customers? These are just a few of the many important factors that employers consider when hiring.?

Few managers can think on their feet and manage complex relationships without prior training. Because it takes years to develop into an excellent relationship manager, most employers prefer to hire people who already have good relationship management skills.

When it comes to the most important skills that employers look for, soft skills come first, followed by analytical skills and technical skills.?

If you want to succeed in your current job and when looking for a new one, you must maximise your knowledge in these areas. Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge of soft skills, but don't stop there. You must put your knowledge to use in the workplace, honing your skills and gaining real-world experience and accomplishments.

About the me

I am a people development specialist and project manager helping individuals and organisations increase performance and profitability by maximising their potential.