The current job market is a strong one, but it’s also highly competitive. Candidates have to distinguish themselves from the rest of the crowd if they want prospective employers to notice them. It takes some insight to understand what companies are looking for.

One of the keys to landing a new job is to signal to hiring managers that the candidate has one or more sought-after skills other applicants lack. To make a resume stand out, possessing these unique job skills will get an employer’s attention. 

1. Self-Motivation

Everyone in the workforce has a set of tasks they must complete as part of their job duties. A willingness to go the extra mile within the context of those duties lets employers know that they’re highly motivated.

It also indicates they’re invested in the long-term success of their careers and the company. Taking the initiative shows the company they’re ambitious, want to increase their knowledge, and can handle additional responsibilities. 

2. Technology Expertise

It’s no secret that the world is highly digitalized. Having a strong grasp of the evolving technology landscape is a necessity for being a viable job candidate. Knowing how to use email, word processing, and other office software programs are useful basics.

Knowledge of advanced and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, operating systems, and virtual and augmented realities are certain to distinguish a resume from others. 

3. Data Analytics

To make sound decisions, businesses collect and analyze data in multiple areas such as how consumers interact with company websites or their purchase histories. After it’s collected, the data is analyzed to identify trends and patterns.

The ability to collect data, explain what it means, and convert it into information an organization can use to make decisions about the direction it needs to go or the next steps to take is a highly in-demand skill that opens doors for job seekers. 

4. Written Communication

Strong communication skills are a necessity across the career spectrum. With remote work arrangements on the upswing, written communication skills have become more important than ever. Organizations need to be confident their workers can effectively communicate in writing. 

Written communications, including emails, memos, and direct and instant messaging, are the backbone of the working environment. The ability to professionally connect with supervisors, co-workers, and customers is a critical skill.

5. Critical and Analytical Thinking

Critical and analytical thinking are frequently paired together, but they’re very distinct skills in their own right. Critical thinking involves using logic and reasoning to come to a conclusion which is often used in decision making. 

Analytical thinking is a way of looking at a problem by analyzing complex information and using it to successfully resolve the problem. Having either skill is a career boost, but a proven track record of doing both enhances a candidate’s value. 

6. Team Player

Being a team player sounds cliché, but it’s a legitimate competency that not everyone masters. Some workers excel when it comes to working in a team-based environment, and others are more comfortable working independently. 

Demonstrating the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others is highly valued among employers, especially for workers with remote or hybrid schedules. It’s important to remember that meeting company objectives is a team effort. 

7. Conflict Resolution Skills

Conflicts are inevitable in any working environment. How they’re handled can make the difference between a harmonious and a chaotic workplace. Companies are looking for people who can keep their cool under pressure. 

Resolving conflicts between parties takes a high level of proficiency in dealing with human nature. Whether it’s managing disputes between coworkers or complaints from customers, successful conflict resolution abilities will get anyone’s attention. 

8. Project Management

Hiring managers will say that a track record of successful project management is an excellent path to getting called for an interview. No matter how small or large the project is, many moving parts have to be managed for the project to be successful. 

Project management involves leading a team of professionals with different duties and skill sets to meet the benchmarks of the project and communicating with other team members and stakeholders. It’s helpful to have a certification in project management. 

9. Adaptability and Flexibility 

Workplaces experience a lot of rapid change, especially in this digital era. Employees are expected to keep up with these changes by showing a high degree of adaptability and flexibility, especially when the unexpected occurs. 

Staying calm, cool, and collected during periods of upheaval and demonstrating a willingness to adapt and learn something new are qualities employers want. Rigidity and an inability to cope with adjustments won’t get an applicant very far. 

10. Problem Solving

Good problem-solving skills are on display when someone can look at an issue, identify and define one or more complications, look for potential solutions, consider the pros and cons of each one, and make the best decision based on that analysis. 

In a business environment where time is of the essence, identifying and solving problems quickly is a necessity. This involves gathering data, having good judgment, and viewing problems clearly and objectively. 

11. Integrity and Honesty

Integrity and honesty are essential traits for any occupation. This is especially true for those in positions involving public trust, and handling confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information. Honesty and integrity build a sense of trust in working relationships. 

To have integrity is the practice of following a set of principles and having a moral code that’s adhered to at all times. Honesty is being truthful and trustworthy in all things and goes hand-in-hand with having integrity. 

12. Organization

Good organizational skills go beyond an organized workspace and filing system. They include attributes like time management, strategic planning, delegation of tasks and responsibilities to others, and working well under pressure. 

Not all workplaces require employees to have the same types of organizational skills, but working efficiently, communicating effectively, prioritizing, and managing your tasks are universal ones employers seek. 

13. Interpersonal Skills

Unless an occupation involves little to no interaction with others, interpersonal or people skills are vital for nearly every job. People skills are important in communicating and cultivating relationships with coworkers, customers, clients, and partners. 

Interpersonal skills are considered a talent that can easily carry over to other jobs and industries. Active listening, showing empathy, reliability, and leadership are all elements of  strong people skills. 

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