Today’s business world is fast-paced, competitive and constantly changing. To succeed in today’s workplace, professionals need to prove they can think critically, solve problems and operate efficiently under pressure. They need to demonstrate a combination of technical business skills combined with soft skills that can set them apart from the competition. Let’s face it – not everyone enjoys talking about themselves or networking as a way to get ahead in their career. Some people prefer staying behind the scenes and just getting on with the job in hand. The fact is that you have double responsibilities when it comes to keeping up your CV, firstly so that you can continue to progress your career, and secondly so that you can be identified as someone who has value to bring to a company if they ever advertise a job vacancy.
NETWORKING
Networking has been proven over time to be one of the best ways to improve your career. It is important to get to know as many people in your industry as you can, whether that is through your alumni network, professional associations or going to industry events. It is also important to have a visible online presence so that people can find you and you can build relationships with them before you ever meet them. Choosing the right online networks is key. LinkedIn is great for finding new connections and getting your name out there. You can also use it to share details about your career, including your achievements and skills. Other sites, like Twitter and Facebook, are more informal and might not be the best place to advertise your skills, unless you use them in a professional way.
ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication is one of the most important soft skills, especially as many business transactions are conducted remotely these days. You will be expected to communicate your ideas and decisions with confidence, clarity, and in a way that builds trust and respect with your colleagues and clients. You may be expected to present in front of colleagues and clients, or write reports and proposals. Even the way you communicate by email may be closely examined by your manager and clients. How you write and speak can have a significant impact on your career. Good communication skills are about more than just conveying information. They are about building trust, conveying confidence, and paving the way for future success. If you don’t have strong communication skills, your career will be stunted.
DATA ANALYSIS SKILLS
Businesses and organisations will want to hire someone who knows how to read and interpret data. This could be statistics on the industry you are operating in, or data on the success or failure of a particular product, marketing campaign or initiative. You must be able to analyse data, and have the analytical tools to draw insights from it. This is a skill that can come in handy for more than one job. For example, you might be hired to run marketing campaigns for a particular product or service, but if you have skills in interpreting data from previous campaigns, you might be able to identify ways to improve your new campaign.
COMPUTER SKILLS
There are many different aspects to computer skills. You must be able to use a variety of software, be it office-based software, or software specific to your industry. You must be able to use the internet effectively and know how to manage your social media accounts. In today’s world, computer skills are an essential part of most jobs. Even if your job doesn’t require a lot of computer work, many businesses use computer software to manage their operations, and knowledge of these programs will give you an edge in your career. There are many resources available to learn new computer skills. Your university may offer computer courses, and many businesses offer training to their employees. You can also look for online tutorials, apps and videos to help you learn new skills.
NEGOTIATION SKILLS
Almost every job description will advise you to have excellent negotiation skills. In most cases, this will mean negotiation with customers, suppliers, and even your manager. However, some positions, like sales and marketing, will mean negotiation with clients. Regardless of whom you negotiate with, it must be done professionally and ethically. It is important to research industry standards for pricing and take this into account when negotiating deals or setting prices. Negotiating is something that must be practiced every day to perfect. The next time you are at the grocery store, try negotiating the price of your purchases. Or, if you feel you might be embarrassed, negotiate with a friend or family member.
BUSINESS STRATEGY SKILLS
Business strategy skills may be something you will want to develop if you aspire to become a manager. This means you must be able to guide and direct your team towards achieving a goal. You must be able to analyse the market and know how your company can succeed in it. You must be able to identify and understand customer needs, be able to generate effective strategies for meeting those needs, and have the ability to lead your team to success. You can learn business strategy skills by reading books and articles about strategy, attending seminars, and working closely with seasoned managers. You can also work part-time or volunteer for a non-profit organization that needs assistance with business strategy. This will help you develop your skills and make valuable connections.
CONCLUSION
Most employers want to hire people who have the skills to succeed in the job. While a degree or relevant work experience may get you in the door, it is important to keep developing your skills and knowledge so that you are ahead of the competition. Having the right skills can help you land your dream job and give you the confidence.
