Work, Career Advice, Now + Beyond

These are the top 7 career skills employers are looking for in 2019

Sadly, bingeing Netflix isn’t one of them.

By Mar. 14, 2019
A white, blonde woman in a black pantsuit leaps from one cliff to another where the word JOB lies. Her hair is pinned back, she is wearing glasses, and is smiling. In her right hand is a large, leather purse. The sun shines in the background.
Attribution: [Image description: A white, blonde woman in a black pantsuit leaps from one cliff to another where the word JOB lies. Her hair is pinned back, she is wearing glasses, and is smiling. In her right hand is a large, leather purse. The sun shines in the background.] Via Igor Link on Pixabay

Here’s a fun fact: there are at least 50,000 professional skills in the world. Damn, right? Fortunately, you don’t need to know them all to impress an employer. Even among career skills, quality trumps quantity.

However, it can be quite easy to get lost among the noise and be overwhelmed when it comes to whittling down to which qualities you ought to focus on. Gone are the days of bragging about type speeds, fluency in Microsoft Office, and your research capabilities (unless you’re an academic). These are all expected.

Nowadays, employers are looking for a specific set of soft and hard skills on your résumé. Business and employment-oriented service, LinkedIn, recently revealed the results of their industry-wide analyses. Here are 7 of the most sought-after career skills in 2019, along with course suggestions to start developing them:

1. Creativity

A side-view image of a skull features a changing clip of various images within the head. The images range from vibrant stills to sober drawings.
[Image description: A side-view image of a skull features a changing clip of various images within the head. The images range from vibrant stills to sober drawings.] Via Tenor
Yes, we are headed towards a world run by robots, but robots won’t be the free-thinkers and innovators, we are and will be. Creativity is especially important when it comes to problem-solving as it not only makes you better able to deal with uncertainty but also approach an issue from various perspectives.

Courses: Creative Leadership Toolkit: Curiosity, History, and Discovery, The Five-Step Creative Process

2. People management

Three men dressed in gray ensembles stand next to each other in a computer lab. The man on the right tells the man in the middle to "Do something", and that man repeats the same instruction to the man on his left. This man then picks up the phone and also says "Do something."
[Image description: Three men dressed in gray ensembles stand next to each other in a computer lab. The man on the right tells the man in the middle to “Do something”, and that man repeats the same instruction to the man on his left. This man then picks up the phone and also says “Do something.”] Via GIPHY
It’s not as simple as dictating. Employers are looking for people who coach and empower their employees, creating a nurturing and positive work environment. Even if you’re not interested in a managerial position, showcasing this specific skill still makes you a positive member to have around.

Courses: Managing Team Conflict, The Manager’s Toolkit, Corporate Leadership and People Management

3. Persuasion

A dark-haired, white man sits in a chair with headphones on. He says "His arguments are starting to convince me."
[Image description: A dark-haired, white man sits in a chair with headphones on. He says “His arguments are starting to convince me.”] Via Tenor
Persuasion is at the root of any business. Arguably, not all positions require this skill but this trait is extremely handy on any basis. Showcasing this ability, then, sets you apart from the flock, and makes you desirable for roles which do require it, opening you up to new opportunities. This is also useful when it comes to negotiating your employment package. 

Courses: Introduction to Negotiation, Getting a YES, Persuading Others

4. Translation

A blond man sits in front of a bookshelf. He is in a purple button-down and wears glasses. Excitedly, he says "I also translated Soulja Boy..."
[Image description: A blond man sits in front of a bookshelf. He is in a purple button-down and wears glasses. Excitedly, he says “I also translated Soulja Boy…”] Via GIPHY
The Internet has made quick work of ensuring wide reaches. Speaking multiple languages is a very attractive trait among potential employees then, especially in communications, as they open up exciting business avenues. Plus, learning new languages improves brain function – a win all around!

Courses: Communicating Across Cultures, Translation in Practice

5. Collaboration

A man and a woman are sitting in an office space at their respective desks. Without looking, they both raise a hand in the air toward each other in a gesture of an air five.
[Image description: A man and a woman are sitting in an office space at their respective desks. Without looking, they both raise a hand in the air toward each other in a gesture of an air five.] Via Tenor
Demonstrating a proven ability to work well with others is important. The majority of work involves teaming up with others in some capacity, be it a short stint or long-term. Don’t confuse this with amicability though, because while friendliness is recommended, make sure you don’t find yourself in a position where you’re too accommodating as people are quick to take advantage.

Courses: How to Listen, Teamwork Skills, Be a Strong Teammate

6. Analytical reasoning

A dark-haired, white man looks calculatingly ahead of him. Around him, mathematical equations float in the air.
[Image description: A dark-haired, white man looks calculatingly ahead of him. Around him, mathematical equations float in the air.] Via GIPHY
A logical mind plays well in a work environment as it makes you a problem-solver. Being analytical allows you to evaluate simple or complex issues and encompasses attention to detail, critical thinking, decision-making as well as research capabilities. All tools to make smart informed decisions – highly sought after career skills.

Courses: Decision-Making Strategies, Data-driven Decision Making

7. Adaptability

In a cartoon clip, a green chameleon makes its way to a red sketch of an angry man. The chameleon then changes its color to match the red and dons on an angry expression in imitation.
[Image description: In a cartoon clip, a green chameleon makes its way to a red sketch of an angry man. The chameleon then changes its color to match the red and dons on an angry expression in imitation.] Via Tenor
The world is rapidly-evolving. Just look at what we’ve accomplished in the past 20 years alone. Being open to the concept of change allows you to quickly adjust to new situations. This puts you a step ahead of those refusing to change.

Courses: Strategic Agility, How to Drive and Adapt

The key to success, then, is to keep learning. The soft skills listed here are ones which will never go out of style. But as times change and we continue to innovate, the hard skills mentioned here – while valuable today – will be quick to become outdated… like an aptitude for Microsoft Office.

Fortunately, the web is filled with wonderful resources to help you learn, sustain, and grow your career skills. At the end of the day, the one skill you need to guarantee your success is how hardworking you are. So, as long as you keep grinding, anything the world throws at you can be overcome.